Send in the Clowns. . .

But where are the clowns?

Quick, send in the clowns

Don't bothеr, they're herе. . . .

Stephen Sondheim, "A Little Night Music," 1973

And here they are, a trio of marvelous mid-century vintage clowns by the Universal Statuary Company. 

                    

The Universal Statuary Corporation was founded in Chicago in the 1930s by brothers Jack and Leo Lucchesi. Originally the company produced hand-painted plaster piggy banks, wall decor, plaques, and store displays. By the 1950s, the company developed a proprietary resin composite marketed as "FiberClad InFrangible," and produced iconic mid-century modern designs, such as lamps, often in matching male and female pairs. The company made a wide variety of decorative statuary, plaques, and book ends, including Western and Asian themes, circus characters, and children or animals, varying from elegant atomic-age design to cute and kitschy. In the 1960s and 1970s, its products were popular home decor, but the company was sold in the early 1980s.

The clown bust is also marked with the name "Glenn Richardson." Born in 1930 in Chicago, Richardson was a painter, sculptor, and product designer. Returning to Chicago in 1953 following his military service, 

he attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and subsequently began his art career as a designer and modeler for Plasto Lamp Manufacturing Company. He also worked as a freelance designer and sculptor for a number of companies. In 1971, Richardson joined Haeger Potteries and eventually became their chief designer He also pursued his own art career, including painting and drawing. Richardson died in 2018. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Send in the Clowns

This is drawing on linen is by famed actor and comedian Richard Red Skelton (July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997). Skelton began performing at the age of 10 in a traveling medicine show and over an entertainment career of some 70 years, Skelton was featured on stage, screen, and radio. He is probably best known for his variety television show, The Red Skelton Show, which premiered in 1951. The following year Skelton introduced one of his most beloved and recognized characters, "Freddie the Freeloader," an easy-going and gentle hobo clown. In the 1940s, Skelton had begun sketching and painting clowns as a hobby, but it did not publicly exhibit his artwork until 1964, when his wife persuaded him to display his art at the Las Vegas Sands Hotel, where he was performing. The exhibit was a success and Skelton began selling his original works, as well as prints and lithographs. 

However, this is no mere print, but an original one-of-a-kind artwork by Skelton. It is also beautifully framed.

The sketch is signed by Skelton and dated 1982.

As an added bonus there is a signed personal note from Skelton on the back with a small drawing of another clown.

It is said that Skelton loved clowns because he felt that they brought needed joy and laughter into the world. This charming and cheerful original artwork certainly should bring joy to its next lucky owner.

All posted items are for sale, but things can sell quickly!

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