Nan Mason

Nan Mason (July 17, 1896 – March 2, 1982) was a painter and photographer.

Nan Mason, American painter, 1896-1982, at work in her studio, Woodstock, New York

Early life

Nan Mason was born in New York City on July 17, 1896.[1]

Career

As a painter, Nam Mason was part of the Woodstock Artist Colony and also that of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California and Anna Maria Island, Florida. Mason specialized in enamel painting, adopting "semi abstract urban motifs and bolder colors", with a cubist movement influence.[2]

Mason was on the Board of Trustees of the Woodstock Guild of Craftsmen.[3]

During the Depression of the 1930s, Mason and Hervey opened their own shop, "Gaylite Candles", which gathered several stores in Manhattan, including Hammacher Schlemmer; the candles itself were hand-made by Mason.[2]

In 2015, the James Cox Gallery at Woodstock displayed the exhibition Wilna Hervey & Nan Mason: Two Woodstock Originals.[2]

Personal life

Nan Mason first partner, Arthur Ryan, died of pneumonia before their wedding.[2]

In the 1920s she became the long-time partner of actress Wilna Hervey. They met on the set in Pennsylvania, Mason was the daughter of Hervey's co-star Dan Mason.[4] At first they lived with Mason's father, in an home in Audubon, Pennsylvania,[2] and later moved together in a studio home in Bearsville, New York, their principal home until Hervey's death in 1979.[1]

They were part of the artists community in Woodstock, New York, and during the summers they moved to Carmel, California, and Manatee County, Florida.[1] Every year they hosted an annual costume party during which they auctioned art works to raise money for charity.[5]

They help raising their nephew, future Lt. Col. Bruce Campbell Cator, who lived with them in Bearsville for a period. He died on July 7, 1960.[6]

In 1962, Hervey and Mason inherited the main share of Eugene Speicher's estate. Speicher was a noted Woodstock artist.[7]

They are buried side by side at Artists Cemetery, Woodstock, New York.[8]

Legacy

In 2015 Joseph P. Eckhardt published Living Large: Wilna Hervey and Nan Mason, a biography retelling the love story of Hervey and Mason.[9]

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References
  1. "A Finding Aid to the Wilna Hervey and Nan Mason Papers, 1883-1985". Archives of American Art. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  2. "Wilna Hervey & Nan Mason: Two Woodstock Originals – Opens July 10, 2015". Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  3. "Isabel Doughty Re-Elected President Woodstock Guild - 01 Oct 1959, Thu • Page 14". The Kingston Daily Freeman: 14. 1959. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  4. Eckhardt, Joseph P. "The Biggest Girl: Wilna Hervey, Actress and Artist". The Betzwood Film Archive. Pottstown, PA: Montgomery County Community College Library. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  5. "Colorful Costume Party Is Enjoyed - 05 Aug 1952, Tue • Page 8". The Kingston Daily Freeman: 8. 1952. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  6. "Military Rites for Col. Cator Scheduled Today - 12 Jul 1960, Tue • Page 2". The Kingston Daily Freeman: 2. 1960. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  7. "Eugene Speicher Collection Bequeathed to Arts Academy; Area Residents Share in Will - 29 Jun 1962, Fri • Page 10". The Kingston Daily Freeman: 10. 1962. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  8. Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Location 21153). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
  9. Eckhardt, Joseph P. "Living Large: Wilna Hervey and Nan Mason". Retrieved 25 September 2017.
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