Ohio/California/Africa Original circa 1940s Stone Lithograph signed within the print, in modern vintage frame. (not hand-signed) Embossed stamp at lower left appears to be a stylized “OK”. We have seen this stamp on other California artist’s work but have not identified it. Note: We have matched the signature within this print to his signature/handwriting in the 1940s. His 1950s signature became more expressive and looks different but still has a larger R like this. The frame and linen mat appear to be from the 1950s to 1970s. The partial gallery label on the back from Philadelphia looks like it predates the 1950s, but could have still been in use. The print appears to be in good condition although there are a few stains and marks, mostly at the upper left, as shown. The frame is 24-1/2″ x 20-1/4″ and the visible image area of the print is about 14″ x 10-1/2″. Little is known about the artist, but he was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and has works in the Cleveland Museum of Art and Howard University Gallery collections. In the 1950s he had exhibitions in Indonesia and Africa of work that was done while travelling there. We found an article about his daughter Mimi, in “The Nation” and below is an excerpt that discusses her parents. Mimi Wolford is founder of the Mbari Institute for Contemporary African Art, Washington DC, United States. Both parents, Richard Wolford and Jean Kennedy, were involved in the world of art from an early age, having graduated from the Cleveland School of Art. They both apprenticed with renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and went on to build their own Wright-inspired house in southern California. It is now a historic location in Highland Park, Los Angeles. After working in Los Angeles for four years, Richard joined the U. Following his foreign service in Italy and Indonesia, he was assigned to Ethiopia for eighteen months. Then, in 1961, Richard was transferred to Nigeria where the Wolford family lived for seven years. Living in Lagos, the Wolfords became deeply involved with the artists of the country, opening their home every Thursday afternoon to exhibit the works of Oshogbo artists…
