THE GAY PHiLOSOPHER BY HENRY MAJOR

Gay Philosopher - Bad Officials

2011-11-21T00:12:00.000-05:00

The Gay Philosopher Sez...

Bad Officials are elected by good citizens - Who fail to vote.

Gay Philosopher - Lamp

2011-11-21T00:05:00.000-05:00

GAY PHiLOSOPHER - Notebooks

2011-06-11T00:39:00.000-04:00

Thanks, Lyle!

Gay Philosopher Holiday Greeting Card

2011-06-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

As always Click The Images To Enlarge!
image courtesy of our pal Lyle! Thanks!

Our GP collecting pal Lyle tells me this Gay Philospher New Years

Greeting card unfolds from 6" X 7 1/2" to 7 1/2" X 12" to 12" X 15".
Thx Lyle!

Gay Philosopher is much older than we thought ;o)

2011-06-04T17:29:00.000-04:00

The Turk’s Head Inn, Eton, 1845, by Edmund Bristow

HENRY MAJOR - Portrait Painting

2011-05-17T08:59:00.000-04:00

Our new GP pal Patrick sent me this note and wondered if perhaps this could be a self-portrait of Henry Major:

Hey Rick,

(This painting is) in an antique mall in Kansas City. The asking price is $600, which was more than I was willing to lay out without some serious thought and research. The price tag on the painting only lists "Painting by Major, A Man." Seeing as anyone could gather that from a ten second glance at the painting, I'm assuming the vendor has little idea what he or she actually has. $600 is a pretty high asking price without, though, so maybe they do. Who knows!

If you know anyone who would appreciate the painting, feel free to send them my way. If I don't end up buying it, I'd like to help get it to someone who would enjoy it.

Best,

Patrick

I asked our artist friend and semi-expert on Henry Major, Zach Trenholm about the possibility of this being a self-portrait. Zach's response:

To be honest though not completely sure it's a self-portrait. This looks like someone that could be older than Henry lived to be, which was 58 or 59....

As you know he did a great deal of this---using himself as a facial foundation of sorts but then deviating to depict various fictionalized folks of both genders & ages. The G.P.'s are of course an excellent example of this. He also did this with regards to his less commercial endeavors, i.e., his fine art portraits based on types rather than real people....

BUT I could very well be wrong (heck i wasn't around then :-) ) If it is a real self- portrait then it it was done VERY close to the end of his life, perhaps while he was sick. I have newspaper promo stuff (you have now as well) from around the last year of his life & his hair is not only neatly trimmed as usual, it's also still quite dark.....

Still---a real portrait painting by him. Definitely a find & at $600, not too expensive. Don't see many paintings by him other than the seascapes & such that he also did.

If you have a serious interest in this painting let me know and i'll hook you up with Patrick.

Gay Philosopher - Ink Blotters

2011-05-06T00:35:00.000-04:00

Click Images To Embiggen!

A tip o' The GP's hat to our pal Lyle for his generosity in sharing these blotters!

"A Speech Is Like A Wheel, The Longer The Spoke The Greater The Tire"

"Many A Live Wire Would Be Dead If It Weren't For His Connections"

"People Who Say They Sleep Like A Baby Usually Haven't Got One"

"The Time To Make Friends Is Before You Need Them"

"Today Is The Tomorrow You Worried About Yesterday"

"America Was In Better Condition When There Were More Whittlers And Fewer Chiselers"

"Few People Can Stand Prosperity, But Then Most of Us Don't Have To"

"The Bigger The Summer, The Harder The Fall"

"Success Is Making Hay With The Grass That Grows Under The Other Fellow's Feet"

"Most People Learn Traffic Rules By accident"

"Every Day The World Turns Over On Someone Who Has Just Been Sitting On Top Of It"

"There's Nothing Wrong With The Younger Generation That The Older One Didn't Outgrow"

"You Can Always Start A Fire With A Chip On The Shoulder"

"Some People Think They Are Worth A Lot Of Money Just Because They Have It"

"A Circus Makes You Wonder What You Did With Your Youth"

"It Takes A Heap Of Endurance To Make Up For Bad Judgment"

"Taxes Not Only Run Into Money - They Can Run You Into Trouble"

"Part Of Education Is Learning What Ain't In Books"

"A politician Is Busiest When He Don't Have Nothin' To Do"

"Nobody Ever Repossessed A Pair Of Beat Up Shoes"

"Being Rich Is When You Can Buy Anything You Don't Need"

"Thrift Is A Wonderful Virtue, Especially In An Ancestor"

"Pretending To Be Rich Keeps Some People Poor"

"It Ain't What You Hear That Counts - Only What You Believe"

"The High Cost Of Living Doesn't Lesson It's Popularity"

"Big Industry Is Only The Village Blacksmith In Long Pants"

"If You'd Rather Be Doing Something Else - - It's Work"

"Work Sure Looks Like Fun When The Other Fellow's Doin' It"

"Fancy Form Don't Help Much When You're Adding Up The Score"

"Folks That Go To Church Ain't Usually The Ones That Need It Most"

"A Politician Is Busiest When He Don't Have Nothin' To Do"

Thanks to Ebay Seller Ruben for this blotter!

"It Isn't The Whistle That Pulls The Train"

"It takes a heap of endurance to make up for bad judgement."

"A big city is a lot of small towns sewed together with pipe and utility wire."

"The ladder to success often passes too many windows."

"Pretending to be rich keeps some people poor."

"A chip on the shoulder indicates wood higher up."

"People who look back to much are soon headed that way."

"There's nothing like travel to prove there's no place like home."

"You can always start a fire with a chip on the shoulder."

"The best way to multiply happiness is to divide it."

"Boys will be boys and so will a lot of middle-aged men."

"By the time there is money to burn the fire has gone out."

"Experience is a good teacher but it charges plenty."

"If you want to make an easy job hard- just keep putting it off."

"This is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."

"It ain't what you hear that counts- only what you believe."

"Nobody ever repossessed a pair of beat-up shoes."

Thanks to Pam Blackburn and to Wil Weaver for sharing these images of their ink blotters!

"Being rich is when you can buy anything you don't need."

Gay Philosopher - Seen in Rock Hill, S.C.

2011-03-24T12:18:00.000-04:00

My pal Zach sent me this clipping he came across that shows a pic of the Gay Philosoper lurking in a late night coffee shop.

Thx ZT!

Click The Pic To Embiggen:

Gay Philospher - Matchbook Cover

2011-03-06T10:41:00.000-05:00

Tons of thanks to our pal Herbert P of Iowa for sharing these matchbook covers!

Herbert writes:

I collect matchbook covers and thought you might enjoy having the attached image. Sets of match covers like these can be found with the same advertiser on the front. They are called "calendar art sets". That is a category of match books I specialize in collecting. No I have not been able to find these Gay Philosopher covers with the same advertiser on the front. That would be called a matched set. I suspect that this set from Brown and Bigelow consisted of these four different pictures. Most sets from B&B from this time period consisted of four covers.

(click the pic to embiggin)

Gay Philosopher in MAD Magazine!

2011-01-22T17:29:00.000-05:00

Tons o' thanks and a tip of the brim to our GP pals Dave and Leslie K

for sending these MAD Magazine scans of the Gay Philosopher's cameo

in Mad Magazine's March 1958 issue #38.

First image is a Q from a MAD reader in issue #41 September 1958.

Thanks again!

Gay Philosopher - She Loves Me + The Gay Philospher's Family

2011-01-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

GP pal Cecilia sent pics of these two prints in one frame.

I assume the were from a calendar and were put together in the frame

and not issued this way. I've never seen one with the title in a handwritten style

on the bottom accompanied by the little flower. Lovely. Thanks for sharing Cecilia!

"Hi, I was so happy to finally see something on the Gay Philosopher. I have had these large 16"x14" prints of the gay philosopher for 25 years and before me the person had them for 20 plus years. Anyway one of the prints is called She Loves Me, I saw a print on your site that is like the one I have but it has some kind of advertisment across it. "

Gay Philosopher - Golden Egg (Original painting by Clair V Fry)

2011-01-14T13:49:00.003-05:00

I have lots of folks write that think they have a painting of the Gay Philosopher

but they were just confused by the brush strokes on the print. I have yet to see
an original painting of the GP by Major. Here, however, is an actual painting of the GP
done by Clair V Fry. Sorry it's so small. I'd hoped to get a larger pic but lost contact
with the kind gentleman who sent it to me. I believe it was sold on Ebay.

Gay Philosopher - Matchbook

2011-01-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to our GP pal Lyle Boehland for this one!

Faux Philosopher - Oil Painting - 1945

2010-11-04T10:03:00.000-04:00

Our GP pal Mark just sent this image of a really sweet faux Philosopher
he picked up at an antique store. It measures approx. 8 x 8, dated '45 and signed Nicolin.
Thank You for sharing Mark!

Gay Philosopher - Bank

2010-11-03T23:49:00.000-04:00

Ebay seller Sue Lisk kindly shared pics of her Gay Philosopher bank.
I don't know if this is an official product or homemade but i've never seen another one.
Thanks for sharing Sue!

Faux Philosopher - 1957

2010-09-25T00:07:00.002-04:00

GP Pal Margaret D. tells me:

"I have this painting that I got in about 1957 from an old man who lived alone in a small Ontario city.

It was given to me by him for giving him his insulin needles each day as I was a Nurse.

Before he died he asked if there was anything for his house that I would like and I chose the Gay Philosopher.

I love this little guy and his eyes that follow where ever you go. What are your thoughts on him?"

I hated to break it to Margaret that her painting is a copy, not painted by either Henry Major or Clair V. Fry.

But she, like I, love it none the less. Thanks for sharing Margaret D!

Gay Philosopher - Easy Does It

2010-09-22T13:01:00.003-04:00

Pics of this print were kindly provided by Ebay Seller Mark H. Salute!
There is no signature which means the painting was done by Clair V. Fry.
Also notice the dog is similar to the dogs in Mr. Fry's Fisherman prints.

Gay Philosopher - Bookends

2010-09-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

Tons o' thanks to Ebay Seller Jeremy for sharing pics of his GP Bookends!

Gay Philosopher Playing Cards

2010-09-09T05:45:00.000-04:00

Our Friend Lyle Boehland provided us with a slew of the pics of Gay Philosopher card sets below. His Mom and two of his Uncles used to work for Brown and Bigelow so he's been surrounded by GP stuff his whole life. Nice way to grow up! We also recieved a lot of images of card sets from Ebay sellers like Carol from Early Times Antiques, Dru Johnson and Robert. Thanks a Ton for sharing folks!

Gay Philosopher - Top Of The World

2010-08-24T09:37:00.000-04:00

Our GP pal (and Ebay seller) Rebecca found this GP print in Burgaw, NC.
It measures 17 x 13.75. Thanks tons for sharing Rebecca!

Clair V. Fry

2010-08-02T17:20:00.016-04:00

The quote below is from a letter sent to me by Carol Guy who is Clair Fry's daughter.
I can't thank her and her family enough for their kind help! Thanks, too, to Beverly Bice, Ebay seller Dale, and Bonnie Jensen for sharing their images!

"Clair Fry illustrated images of Henry Major's character The Gay Philosopher after the death of Henry Major in 1948. Mr. Fry was also known for his own characters such as The Old Fisherman (seen above and here) as well as Officer Kelley "often depicting the head of a policeman with children underneath- getting on a bus, walking to school, etc and a safety slogan". He also was known for a calendar known as Old Fashioned Girl " a lovely young lady of a year, say 1919, on a calendar of a year when all the days were exactly the same as 1919- if Nov.22 was on a Tuesday in 1919 it would be on a Tuesday the year the calendar was issued." "Clair Fry retired in 1968 and until he passed away in 1995 he pursued his love of the art of he southwest and portraiture."

Here's a GP as done by Mr. Fry:

Video of Clair V. Fry by his Grandson, noted photographer Jamey Guy
(FYI- Clair Fry's Granddaughter Laurel V. Fry is a fine artist as well.

Click images to enlarge.

Although Mr.Fry felt his name should not be attached to Henry major's character it seems that this odd 3-D plastic piece titled "The Gay Philosopher- In Tune Painting by Clair V. Fry" somehow slipped through.

Officer Kelley by Clair V Fry

Clair Fry did these images of The Fischer Quintuplets for a series of calendars for Brown and Bigelow. For more Fischer Quints Collectibles go HERE.

Hatted Glamour Girl with Demitasse by Clair V. Fry

Clair Fry was Wendy Miller's Father's Mother's Uncle. Wendy Miller sent me the image of the original painting "101 Ways To Fool A Trout" (below) which belongs to her father. Her Uncle has another original Old Fisherman painting. Thanks Wendy!

Bonnie Jensen's Great Uncle by marriage was the artist Clair V. Fry. Bonnie was kind enough to take the time to send me images of what I would think is Mr. Fry's best known character next to the paintings he did of the Gay Philosopher. Quotations under the image titles are from emails exchanged with Bonnie. I cannot thank the Fry and Guy families enough for their kindness and generosity in sharing images and memories. Thank You!

"The model for the first about 15 paintings was our Great Grandfather. that makes Laurel a cousin to our family. The red headed little boy in several of the paintings was Uncle Clair's grandson."

Click The Images To Enlarge.

Out On A Limb

Asking You

Old Timer (1950)

Tough Break (1951)

No Wonder (1952)

Suspense (1957)

Last Chance (1958)

Believe Me (1959)

"In the Believe me (1959) painting the artist painted himself into the painting.
The gentleman in the rear of the fisherman is Clair Fry."

Moving Fast (1960)

"One of the things I love about this series is that each portrays an event that is common among fishermen but contains such an element of humor. I feel the ability to do that sets this artist above many. Many people have technical abilities, but not all have the ability to capture a moment that makes us laugh and endears the subject to us. You may note that in each of these paintings the fisherman is a fly fisherman, each contains the dog, and most also have the creel and net."

A New Trick (1961)

When Friendship Counts (1962)

"The 1962 painting When Friendship Counts hung in my mother in laws house for many years. She was particularly fond of it because her grand mother made the rag rug and she said that this image of her grandfather was so like him. She still has a rug like this made by her grandmother in her house."

101 Ways To Fool A Trout (1963)

"I particularly love this one. The hands on this painting look just like my husband's hands. As I look at the men in my family I see images of the old fisherman again and again. "

Experts Advice (1964)

"The next 3 images are ones that the artist included his grandson in. There is so much love portrayed between the generations."

Skills Reward (1965)

"A bit of trivia. As I understand the family story, Clair Fry owned a fish hatchery that he provided for his father in law to manage. I think he had a great deal of respect for his father in law."

Picking A Winner (1966)

"This is the last painting done of our great grandfather in the series."

One Of Those Days (1967)

"When Great Granddaddy died, Clair Fry needed to hire a model for his paintings. As I have gone through these images I noted that the rest of the series portray a regular fisherman, note the can of worms in the boat. I think out of respect for his father in law, Uncle Clair changed the type of fisherman represented. Note that there is no dog, no creel, no net. These were all part of who our great grandfather was."

Do It Yourself (1968)

"(Mr. Fry's Granddaughter) Laurel (Fry) tells me that she is the little girl in this painting. She had never seen the other models before, so they were not family."

Hurry Up Gran'Pa! (1969)

"This is the last image in this series. Uncle Clair retired from Brown and Bigalow in 1970."

"Another bit of trivia about the artist: As you know in his capacity as art director at Brown and Bigalow, Clair Fry worked with many famous artists. What you may not know that he assisted some to meet deadlines. My mother in law often told how in particular, Norman Rockwell, who had many contracts to do art. Weekly he had the Saturday evening Post, He did art for a number of other magazines etc. When he got behind in his work, he would sketch out the image he wanted, made decisions about color etc. and them Uncle Clair, or other artists would rough-paint the sketch and then Norman Rockwell would put in the final details and sign his name."

"I appreciate your fan club website. I wanted to know the value of our painting and looked up Clair V Fry on the internet. There was very little information until I happened upon your website. I know you originally devoted your site to Mr. Major, until you found that Clair Fry had painted the latter end of the series. Mr. Fry was a very talented artist, but he was so much more than just that. He was a gentleman of great character, morals, and integrity. Something, if you listen to the news, that this world seems to be running short on. I am so grateful to be even a shoestring relative." -Bonnie Jensen

Henry Major's Headstone + photos showing site of his Provincetown home

2010-07-09T08:50:00.000-04:00

Henry Major's headstone in Provincetown, Massachusetts

The plaque reads:

Henry Major

Sept. 17 1948

He Has Taught All Men Respect For Life

Tons o' thanks to Cynthia Moore for the top pic pics and to Zach Trenholm for the pics of the site of Major's home in Provincetown.

Zach sez in regards to the headstone:
Sculptor & friend William Boogar did the copper plate work (he was big on seagulls). Boogar was not one of those high-falutin abstract expressionists but a devotee of the figurative movement.

WILLIAM F. BOOGAR Jr. 1893-1958.

BOOGAR IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS SCULPTURES OF SEAGULLS.

Bio: "Studied at PAFA and with Charles Hawthorne in Provincetown. Member of PAAM and Beachcombers. Exhibited: PAFA, 1922,24,26 (solo),30,32, 36-38. Also at: NAD, AIC, 1928, Paris International, 1937, Salons of America. Works at Children's Fountain, Wawbeck, WI (1950) and most notably the Pilgrim's Landing tablets in Provincetown, MA. Also Frederick Waugh Memorial, memorial to Henry Major. After WW1, he started a foundry in Haddonfield, NJ and became best known for his sculptures of seagulls, often designed as fountains. He also had a foundry in Provincetown at the end of Bangs Street, now is the location of the Beachcombers.

Site of Major's former home

More Faux Philosophers

2010-07-08T20:56:00.000-04:00

Gay Philosopher - Match Book

2010-06-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

Tons o' Thanx to GP pal Lyle Boehland for the image!

Gay Philosopher Calendars

2010-06-07T06:14:00.000-04:00

Clair V. Fry and The Old Philosopher

2010-06-07T04:45:00.001-04:00

Click image to enlarge.

This image was kindly provided by Jamey Guy. Mr. Guy is the Grandson of Clair V. Fry. Cheers Jamey! Reknowned caricaturist and fellow Henry Major fan, Zach Trenholm pointed out that "the article refers to Major doing G.P. portraits of his wife, son & daughter when he had long been unmarried by the time of their creation & never had any children to boot (actually he did have a step-daughter but all G.P.'s, regardless of age & gender were based on his own visage....).
Thanks Zach!

Henry Major - Provincetown Neighborhood (Original Painting)

2010-06-05T18:24:00.000-04:00

Henry Major - Provincetown Neighborhood (no date)

Gay Philosopher - The Final Touch

2010-06-05T18:02:00.000-04:00

This pic was kindly provided by GP pal Grace in Ontario, Canada
Thanks Grace!

Gay Philosopher - Kick

2010-03-10T10:43:00.000-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

The Gay Philosopher says:
Kick and you have one less leg to stand on.

Image kindly provided by
Andrew, Jerry and Paul Tyson
Thanks Fellahs!

Gay Philosopher - Dog Pound

2009-09-22T08:57:00.003-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

This image courtesy of our GP pal Marie Hardy.
Thanks Marie!

Gay Philosopher - Mechanical Pencil

2009-04-06T11:30:00.010-04:00

The Gay Philosopher Sez:

"The Big Problem These
Days Ain't Where To Go -
It's Where To Stop!"

DIXIE TRUCKERS HOME
27 Years of
24 Hour Service
Route U. S. 66 and 136 McLean, Illinois

Thanks tons to our friend Lyle
and loyal GP fan for providing
the images of this pencil.
Thanks again Pal!

Gay Philosopher's Wife - Original Oil Painting

2009-04-01T10:05:00.011-04:00

Click image to enlarge

This image of an original oil painting of the Gay Philosopher's Wife
was kindly provided by Tom Curran of Clarke Auction house of Larchmont N.Y.

Tom tells me:

"it's 20 x 16, in very good condition - I am surprised that it is almost 60 years old
and it wasn't even dusty as it was in a box in a Manhattan estate.

It will be sold Monday May 4 2009 starting at 6:00 pm ET with in-house bidding,
phone and left bids, and live Internet bidding through ARTFACT.com.
The estimate will be $200-300.
Our website is www.ClarkeNY.com"

Thanks Tom!

Faux Philosopher - 1973

2009-03-28T10:36:00.005-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

A nice faux Philosopher painted in 1973
by Mr. Jerry Tyson.

Image kindly provided by
Jerry Tyson's son Andrew.
Andrew was nice enough to
take the time to send me several nice
large high resolution photos of
Gay Philosophers from the collection of
his father and his Uncle Paul.
Thanks tons Andrew!

Gay Philosopher - She Loves Me

2009-03-28T10:24:00.005-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

"She Loves Me..."

Image kindly provided by
Andrew, jerry and Paul Tyson
Thanks Fellahs!

Gay Philosopher and Wife - The Impossible

2009-03-28T10:19:00.006-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge.

The Gay Philosopher Says:
THE IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES A LITTLE LONGER.

Image kindly provided by
Andrew, jerry and Paul Tyson
Thanks Fellahs!

Gay Philosopher - Gay Philosopher Says

2009-03-25T21:44:00.003-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

The Gay Philosopher Says...
It isn't what you learn,
it's what you do with what you learn.

Image kindly provided by
Andrew, Jerry and Paul Tyson
Thanks Fellahs!

Gay Philosopher's Son - Pa Always Sez:

2009-03-25T21:39:00.003-04:00

Click image to Enlarge

Pa Always Sez:
"Happiness is like potato salad;
share it and you've got a picnic"

Image kindly provided by
Andrew, Jerry and Paul Tyson
Thanks fellahs!

Gay Philosopher - Pa and Ma Philosopher

2009-03-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

This image was kindly provided by
Andrew, Jerry and Paul Tyson.
Thanks fellahs!

Gay Philosopher - The Family + Quote

2009-03-25T21:03:00.000-04:00

Click Images to Enlarge.

This image of the Gay Philospher's Family
was provided by Andrew, Jerry, and Paul Tyson.
Thanks fellahs!

This text from the back of a "The Philosopher's Family" print was
kindly provided by Roy Rushton. Thanks Roy!

Gay Philosopher

2009-03-23T00:36:00.006-04:00

The Gay Philosopher Says -
When You buy Something For A Song, Watch Out For The Accompaniment.

Gay Philosopher - The End To A Perfect Day

2009-03-23T00:14:00.003-04:00

Gay Philosopher - The First Nighter

2009-03-17T23:40:00.005-04:00

The Gay Philosopher Sez -
A man who never has any bad days can't appreciate the good ones.

Click to enlarge

Gay Philosopher - Prestidigitation

2009-03-17T23:37:00.002-04:00

Henry Major and Bugs Baer - Hollywood

2009-03-11T19:34:00.006-04:00

Sports writer, humorist and cartoonist Arthur "Bugs" Baer put together a book in 1938 with Henry Major called Hollywood in which Major did caricatures of the celebrated players of the day and Baer wrote accompanying humourous commentary.
The book was released in a limited edition of eight-hundred copies.

Click images to enlarge and to read Bugs Baer's comments.

Brian Ahern

Don Ameche

Annabelle

George Arliss

Henry Armetta

Edward Arnold

Fred Astaire

Mary Astor

Mischa Auer

Lionel Barrymore

Freddie Bartholomew

Warner Baxter

John Beal

Noah Beery

Wallace Beery

Ralph Bellamy

Constance Bennett

Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy

Joan Blondell

Eric Blore

Ben Blue

Humphrey Bogart

John Boles

William Boyd

Charles Boyer

Olympe Bradna

Alice Brady

George Brent

Fanny Brice

Helen Broderick

Edward J. Bromberg

Joe Brown

Virginia Bruce

Billie Burke

Bob Burns

George Burns and Gracie Allen

Charles Butterworth

Spring Byington

Arthur Caesar

James Cagney

Eddie Cantor

Madelieine Carroll

Walter Catlett

Charley Chaplin

Charley Chase

Irwin S. Cobb

Claudette Colbert

Ronald Coleman

Walter Connoly

Gary Cooper

Ricardo Cortez

Joan Crawford

Bing Crosby

Michael Curtiz

Bette Davis

Francis Dee

Olivia DeHaviland

Marion Davies

Delores Del Rio

Cecil DeMille

Marlene Dietrich

Walt Disney

Robert Dix

Brian Donlevy

Melvyn Douglas

Irene Dunne

Jimmy Durante

Deanna Durbin

Alan Dwan

Buddy Ebson

Nelson Eddy

Douglas Fairbanks

Douglas Fairbanks Jr

Frances Farmer

Alice Faye

Louise Fazenda

Bill Fields

Errol Flynn

Henry Fonda

John Ford

Clark Gable

Greta Garbo

Judy Garland

Janet Gaynor

James Gleason

William Goetz

Sam Goldwyn

Cary Grant

Bonita Granville

Sid Graumann

Fernard Gravet

Jack Haley

Ann Harding

Helen Hayes

Will Hayes

Sonja Henie

Katherine Hepburn

Hugh Herbert

Jean Hersholt

Jack Holt

Miriam Hopkins

Edward Everett Horton

Louise Hovick

Leslie Howard

Rochelle Hudson

Josephine Hutchinson

Frank Jenks

Al Jolson

Boris Karloff

Patsy Kelly

Phyllis Kennedy

Guy Kibbee

Alexander Korda

Burt Lahr

June Lane

Priscilla Lane

Fritz Lang

Jesse Lasky

Charles Laughton

Mitchell Lcisen

Francis Lederer

Mervyn LeRoy

Margaret Lindsay

Frank Lloyd

Harold lloyd

Carole Lombard

Peter Lorre

Montagu Love

Edmund Lowe

Myrna Loy

Paul Lukas

Jeanette MacDonald

Fred MacMurray

Rouben Mamoulian

Frederick March

Herbert Marshall

Louis B. Mayer

Ray McCarey

Victor Mclaglen

Adolphe Menjou

Una Merkel

Lewis Milestone

Robert Montgomery

Grace Moore

Victor Moore

Frank Morgan

Ralph Morgan

Chester Morris

Wayne Morris

Boris Morros

Movie Starlets

Paul Muni

Jack Oakie

Merle Oberon

George O'Brien

Pat O'Brien

Warner Oland

Edna Mae Oliver

Maureen O'Sullivan

Reginald Owen

Joe Penner

Mary Pickford

Zazu Pitts

Lily Pons

Dick Powell

Eleanor Powell

William Powell

George Raft

Louise Rainier

Gregory Ratoff

Martha Raye

Barbara Read

Max Reinhardt

Edward G. Robinson

Ginger Rogers

Cesar Romero

Mickey Rooney

Christian Rub

Charlie Ruggles

Sig Rumann

Rosalind Russell

Jimmy Salvo

George Sanders

Joseph Schenk

Joseph Schildkraut

William Seiter

Norma Shearer

Louis Silvers

Simone Simon

Penny Singleton

C. Aubrey Smith

Kate Smith

Gale Sindergaard

Ann Sothern

Mal St. Clair

Anna Sten

Henry Stephenson

Jimmy Stewart

Lewis Stone

Leopold Stowkowski

Slim Summerville

Sylvia Sydney

Shirley Temple

Franchot Tone

Spencer Tracy

Arthur Treacher

Karen Morley Vidor

King Vidor

Ernest Vajda

Rudy Vallee

Raoul Walsh

Walter Wanger

H.B. Warner

Jack Warner

Johnny Weissmuller

Mae West

Helen Westley

Michael Whalen

Arleen Whelan

Warren William

Marie Wilson

Charles Winninger

William Wyler

Loretta Young

Robert Young

Roland Young

Adolph Zukor

Henry Major Sketch of Joseph Conrad

2009-02-23T16:46:00.001-05:00

Joseph Conrad

HENRY MAJOR - Program from Memorial Exhibit at Reinhardt Galleries NYC 1958

2008-11-25T20:55:00.005-05:00

Click images to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Program from Opening at Marie Harriman Gallery NYC 1940

2008-11-25T20:49:00.006-05:00

Click Image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Frank X Curtis

2008-11-25T20:44:00.003-05:00

Click image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Telegram to Frank X Curtis

2008-11-25T20:32:00.005-05:00

Click image to enlarge

Telegram kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Babe Dahlgren

2008-11-25T20:29:00.003-05:00

Click image of Babe Dahlgren to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Roger Baldwin

2008-11-25T19:21:00.005-05:00

Click image of Roger Baldwin to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Various Caricatures from Magazines

2008-11-25T19:18:00.004-05:00

Click image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Interview with Major about Haile Selassie

2008-11-25T19:12:00.005-05:00

Click Image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Ken Magazine Cover - August 3 1939

2008-11-25T19:07:00.006-05:00

Click Image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - KEN Magazine Cover

2008-11-25T19:04:00.003-05:00

Click image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - Letter from 20 July 1934 - To Hell With Picasso!

2008-11-25T19:00:00.003-05:00

Click image to enlarge

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

HENRY MAJOR - RiTA CURTiS

2008-11-25T18:57:00.003-05:00

Click image to enlarge.

Image kindly provided by Melanie Egan
daughter of the artist Frank X Curtis

Gay Philosopher - VOTE!

2008-11-04T12:56:00.004-05:00

The Gay Philosopher Sez-
Bad Officials are elected by good citizens - Who fail to vote!

Click image to enlarge

GAY PHiLOSOPHER - iCE SCRAPER

2008-10-06T14:54:00.004-04:00

Whoa! Here's one i've never seen before.
Thanks to our GP pal Lyle for the pic!

Click to Enlarge

Henry Major - Caricatures for Newspapers

2008-09-21T11:10:00.078-04:00

All of the images on this page were scanned by Melanie Egan from her parents collection. Her father, Frank X. Curtis was a friend of Henry Major and studied under him as well. Her mother's wedding book lists Henry Major as one of her first callers after being married in 1934. I cannot begin to thank Melanie enough for her kind generosity.

Henry Major aficionado and caricaturist Zach Trenholm believes these caricatures are "all from NYC dailies and for the most part long defunct ones as well. On some of the clippings you can see this."

Click Images to Enlarge
(several of the images were too large to scan in their
entirety which is why they are shown twice)

President Roosevelt

Dean Cornwell, Bradshaw Crandell, John LaGatta, McClelland Barclay
Diagnosis by "Bugs" Baer Carving by Henry Major

Haile Selassie

Edith Nourse Rogers

Secretary of Treasury Morgenthau

Senator George W. Norris

Maestro Alfredo Salmaggi

Heart Balm Trial

Owen D. Young, South Trimble, Sen. Byrd (Va), General Johnson

Sen. Overton (LA), Sen. Stephens (Miss), Sen. Kapper (Kan), Sen. Barbour (NJ)

Sen. Tydings, Sen. P M'Carran, Sen. A. Lonergan, Sen. H. Shipstead

John C. M'Nary, Sen. Fletcher, Roy A. Young, Sen. C. Glass, Homer Cummings

At Air Mail Probe

Rep. Somers (NY), Rep. Black (NY), Rep. Bankhead (AL)

Sen. J.W. Bailey, Sen. J.C. O'Mahoney, Sen. James P. Pope, Henry Wallace

Rep. Oscar DePriest, Sen. Gerald P. Nye, Rep. T Christensen, Sen. Lynn Frazier, William T. Page

Edsel Ford, Ferdinand Pecora

Irving Millen, Murton Millen, Abe Faber

Senator Clark of Missouri, Senator Dickinson of Iowa, Senator Vanderberg of Michigan

Harold Ickes, Sen. Morris Sheppard, Father Charles Coughlin, Frank Vanderlip

Sen. Dieterich (Ill), Sen. Carey (Wyo), Sen. Hatch (NM), Sen. Trammell (FL)

Timothy J. Sullivan, Bernard S. Deutsch, Commissioner Valentine, Mayor LaGuardia,Thomas J. Curran

Lambert Fairchild, W. Earl Andrews, Dave Mahoney, Murray Stand, Michael S. Cruise

Paul Kern, Clendenin J. Ryan Jr, Lester B. Stone, Mary A. Frasca, Major Lawrence B. Dunham

Rufus E. McGaren, Walter R. Hart, James J. Dooling, Pearl Bernstein, Lew A. Haas

Scenes from The Lindbergh kidnapping case

Colonel Henry Breckinridge, Mrs. Myra C. Hacker, State Trooper William Horn, Attorney-General Willentz, Prosecutor Large

Amandus Hochmuth, Joseph Anthony Perrone, Alfred Jacob Reich

John E. Seykora, Philip Moses, Moses on stand, Bertha Hoff, Joseph Tardelli (sp?)

Louis Wollenberg, Mrs. Muller, John E. Seykora, Philip Moses

September 17th is the Sixtieth Anniversary of the death of Henry Major

2008-09-17T15:18:00.005-04:00

Henry Major would have been
one-hundred and nineteen this year.

Click image to enlarge.

image courtesy of the
Melanie Egan Collection

The Gay Philosopher - title unknown

2008-09-09T19:53:00.004-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

The Gay Philosopher - Pa Always Sez

2008-09-09T19:51:00.003-04:00

Click image to enlarge

thx to Ed Nilson for this pic!

The Gay Philosopher's Daughter

2008-09-09T19:44:00.003-04:00

About The Gay Philosopher and Henry Major

2008-08-18T23:15:00.000-04:00

So...what's the deal with the Gay Philosopher?
And just who was this artist Henry Major?
I've been collecting images of Henry Major's character The Gay Philosopher for twenty years plus or so. I've found them at yard sales, flea markets, thrift and antique stores, and now on EBay. They were not at all common to find but common enough to make me wonder about the history of this character. Who was Henry Major? What's the story? In these prints I would see The Gay Philosopher at the circus or in the kitchen or just loafing around. He was never directly hawking anything but always had a wink and a word of wisdom. The first picture of The G.P. I found had a tag on the back which read "Why Worry?". Indeed. Each time I would find a new piece i'd quiz the owner to see if they knew anything about the character or the artist but no one ever knew a thing. I searched the internet. Nuthin'. Zip. Finally after building this website the answers began to trickle in. My first break came when I saw a painting for sale on Ebay by an artist named...Henry Major! The resemblance of the man in the painting to The Gay Philosopher was undeniable. I contacted the paintings owner, art collector Robert Zeider. I, of course , had no idea that Henry Major had done any paintings outside the style of The G.P. and Mr.Zeider had no idea idea his painting was by the same artist that created The Gay Philosopher. Mr.Zeider informed me that "Henry Major is listed in Who's Who In Art and in Davenport's. He is associated most strongly with New York City. He exhibited at The Marie Harriman Gallery as well as The Corcoran Gallery Biennial and at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art in the 1940's. According to records at The P.A.F.A the painting exhibited by Henry Major in 1941 was titled The Philosopher." Bingo! Thank You Mr.Zeider! I knew from a couple of the pieces i'd collected that Brown and Bigelow ,a company that makes promotional items for businesses made many different G.P. related items. I took a chance and emailed the folks at B and B. A couple of days later I received an email from Teresa Roussin, Archivist for Brown and Bigelow. Ms.Roussin told me that she had some info about Henry Major and would mail it to me. What Ms. Roussin was kind enough to send me is a copy of a program for "Memorial Exhibition: Paintings by the late Henry major. The exhibition was held at Mortimer Levitt Gallery,559 Madison Avenue New York N.Y. March 6 through March 25. The year is not given however the bio inside the program is dated 1950. Ms.Roussin also told me that "Henry major only painted the Philosopher from 1945 to 1952 and there were only about ten paintings. The Gay Philosopher series was continued by a in-house B&B artist named Clair Fry. Mr.Fry did the series from 1953 to 1973. They were produced on a poster calendar, direct mail blotters, greeting cards,postcards, playing cards, glassware, and also the (metal and chalkware) busts." Ms.Roussin also told me that she couldn't think of any other products she had seen The Gay Philosopher on but there could be more. After learning that Mr.Fry took over the production chores of The G.P. I started to search for info on Clair Fry but found none. Oddle enough, not long after my search for Clair Fry I was contacted by a woman whose mother, Carol Guy, is Clair Fry's daughter. Mrs.Guy kindly agreed to recount for me her rememberances of Henry Major. In her letter to me she described Henry Major as:

"...a gentle and quiet man with a gentle and quiet sense of humor -directed mainly at himself-evidenced by his G.P. series. It started as a caricature of himself..." "He had the kind of looks that could have gone a few years plus or minus. He was about 5'10" and maybe 170lbs. Slight strands of silver in his dark hair. Melancholy eyes that could twinkle from time to time and a very soft voice." "My father (Clair Fry) was responsible for choosing the artists and their subjects and for keeping artists,management and customers happy. Frequently a challenging job -But he loved it and brought some fascinating people into my families lives." Mrs. Guy told me that " the times Henry had to come into the twin cities he always stayed with us which is how I got to know and love him." She did not remember why Brown and Bigelow picked up The G.P. character but that "He started with B and B with The G.P. series in the forty's. They came a close second to #1 -Norman Rockwell's Boy Scout and Four Seasons calendars. My father took over the series after Henry's death. (B and B) had tried several artists and dad's strength being in capturing a likeness plus his strong feeling for Henry put him in the spot where nobody could come close. So he did it until the calendar business as it was, died in the 1970's. The only way you could tell if (a G.P. illustration) was a C.V. Fry or a Henry Major is that dad said out of respect for Henry he would not sign any thing that he did." Mrs.Guy also wrote that "I don't think Henry ever did anything other than art as a living other than some "survival" type jobs" "He lived in around Provincetown (Massachussets) on the cape. My understanding is it was, and still is I guess, an artist's colony. He is supposed to be buried in a small cemetary in the dunes. Now that I think about it i'm sure it is quite lonely there. There can't be anyone around to take care of it." "Henry Major was and will probably continue to remain a mystery when it comes to his personal life. Oh, but what a lovely man he was!"

Mrs.Guy suggested I contact the newspaper in Provincetown and see if they might have any info on Henry Major. I did just that and the Editor of the paper put me in touch with their Art Director Sue Harrison. Ms. Harrison was kind enough to send me a copy of the obituary of Henry Major.

And so end's the story...so far.
My deepest thanks to Carol Guy for sharing her memories of Henry major and to her husband and daughter who put us in touch. A big Thank-You to Robert Zeider, Theresa Roussin, Zach Trenholm and to all the kind sellers on Ebay who have been and continue to be so very generous in sharing their images of the Gay Philosopher.

I'd also like to thank all the nice folks who have emailed me their compliments and stories of what their Gay Philosopher pictures have meant to them or a loved one.

Henry Major may not be famous but his best known work has lived on and has brought a smile and a wink to countless folks and that's something! THANK YOU!

If you know something about Henry Major or The Gay Philosopher or if you have any images of Henry Major's paintings or of The Gay Philosopher that you would be willing to share i'd love to hear from you. If you will let me add your images to my site i'd be happy to credit you on the page for it and add a link to your web site.

Gay Philosopher: Why Worry?

2008-08-18T23:10:00.000-04:00

This is the first gay Philosopher piece I bought. A sticker on the back says The Gay Philosopher "Why Worry" by Henry Major. I bought it at a rummage sale for KWSU Radio Station in my hometown of Pullman Washington. At the same sale I also bought a great record by the original Regis: talk show host Mike Douglas and a killer live Sammy Davis Jr record (With tap dancing!). It was a special day.

Click Image to Enlarge.

ABOUT MAiL- I want to hear from you!

2008-08-18T23:09:00.010-04:00

Mail! We get Mail! I've recieved a couple emails a week at least about Henry Major or the Gay Philosopher since starting the site. If you have a story about your Gay Philosopher item or if you have a G.P. or Henry Major item that you don't see here and would like to send me a photo of it or if you know something about Henry Major I'd love to hear from you!

You can email me here:
ricksaunders at gmail dot com

Please Write GAY PHILOSOPHER or HENRY MAJOR in the subject line.
Please let me know what area of the country you found your GP stuffe. Thanks!

*PLEASE READ*
Most of the emails I get concern a question about the value of a Gay Philosopher item.
I can't help you with that.
Here's what I tell everyone who writes about the value of their GP stuff.
First of all check Ebay for their item. Do a search for: Gay Philosopher Henry Major.
If you don't see your item for sale check back. It will probably be there eventually. When it shows up you can track it and see what it sells for. More than likely, with the exception of the two books, your piece will sell for enough to buy you a nice lunch or maybe dinner. Just don't plan on puttin' the kids through college.

Below is a select number of some of the wonderful emails (edited slightly for privacy and brevity) i've recieved over the years from folks around the country.
Thank You to everyone who has taken the time to share their story with me!

08.11.01

Hello Rick,
Love all your pictures of the GP. I wasn't able to find out any info about Henry Majors till I came across your website. I have a copy of the same print you show as "Why Worry". The print is a 14" x 18" size and the picture is bordered by an inch of burlap all the way around. It appears as though the original painting was laid down, then the burlap was placed on top before it was printed. It has an article glued on the back which reads:

THE GAY PHILOSOPHER
FROM THE ORIGINAL PAINTING BY HENRY MAJOR
"In your journey through life, you surely must have met this fellow, somewhere or other. He's no Beau Brummel, yet he wears the finest cloak in the world ----a mantle of contentment topped by a happy-go-lucky smile of real enjoyment. Work? Well, there's so much of it going on around him that he feels quite satisfied to let it alone permanently. His needs never seem to be out of bounds with his ambition. And he is actually happy about the whole thing. Worry? Never! Why worry? Besides, there are too many worrying folks in the world who seem to have made it their lifetime job. The Gay Philosopher goes on merrily but unexcitedly. A bite here and there, a discarded shoestring for a tie, a battered hat for a roof over his head ......always on his uppers, yet letting nothing discolor his rose-colored view of life. We send you this amusing picture by Henry Major with the hope that it will keep you smiling all the time. And may you enjoy continued success and properity during the year to come."

I came into possession of this picture in the early 70's when we purchased a cottage on Sugar Island, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. The cottage was full of antiques and the picture was in an old gold antique frame. I just assumed it was an antique and over the years have tried to gain some knowledge of the artist. The picture is my husband's pride and joy and holds a prominent spot on a wall in our den. Regards,
Jean

30 Dec 2001
Dear Mr. Saunders,
I recently saw your web site for the Gay Philosopher. I might be able to give you some information about that particular calendar series. As I understand it, the philosopher was a particularly popular calendar series for Brown & Bigelow. When Henry Majors died, Clair Fry continued the series for Brown & Bigelow. Clair Fry was the Creative Art Director for Brown & Bigelow. He worked with Henry Majors as well as many other artists under contract with Brown & Bigelow. Mr. Fry continued the series for many years (although I think they changed the name from the "Gay Philosopher" to the "Happy Philosopher" when the definition for "gay" changed) ....You can tell whether or not you have a copy of Henry Major's work because it will have his signature on the painting. If the painting isn't signed it was done by Clair Fry. He never signed his philosopher paintings out of respect for Henry Majors...since Majors created the character. It's nice to see that the paintings still have a following. I am happy to share any information I can......I thought about something else.....The image of the Gay Philosopher was suppose to be kind of a self-portrait. I never knew Henry Major, but, I think my mother did. I'll ask her the next time I talk to her. Clair Fry was my grandfather. For over 30 years he was the Creative Art Director for Brown & Bigelow. He worked as the liason between the artists and the company. He had close associations with Henry Major, Norman Rockwell, N. C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish.....all of these artists were under contract with Brown & Bigelow while he was the art director. I remember him telling me that he liked Henry Major very much. There was a market for his character, so, when he died Grampa took up the series. My Grandfather also did several other calendar series for B & B. Occasionally, I'll see some of his calendar art come up for sale....there was a series on the Old Fisherman, the Old Fashion Girl, the Fisher Quints, and the Gay Philosopher. He also worked with Earl Moran and Gil Ehlvgren. They did some wonderful stuff for Brown & Bigelow during the same time period. When my grandfather retired from B & B he went to Phoenix, AZ. He was tired of the cold winters. He taught art in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sun City for about 20 years before moving to Georgia. My grandfather passed away about 6 years ago.....My mother might be able to fill in some blanks for you. I'll speak to her within the next couple of days, and will let you know what she remembers. She might know if Henry Majors had any family. As I said, I'll ask her.....

MAR 1 2002
RICK- I ALSO AM A COLLECTOR OF MAJOR'S WORKS.I RECEIVED THE FIRST FROM MY NOW X-FATHER-IN -LAW.IT WAS THE BUST OF THE GAY PHILOSOPHER & A PRINT OF THE GAY PHILOSOPHER'S SON I SAW ON YOUR WEB PAGE,...COUPLA YEARS BACK I FOUND IN GRUNE TEXAS AT RESALE-JUNK SHOP I PURCHASED THE GAY PHILOSOPHER COLOR PRINT,IT IS ONE OF HIM LEAVING THE DOG POUND WITH A PRECIOUS MUTT IN HIS ARMS.I DID NOT SEE THAT ONE ON YOUR WEB PAGE.THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INFO ON MAJOR ON YOUR WEB PAGE,I HAVE WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST FOR YEARS.FUNNY FOOT NOTE ON THE BACK OF THE PRINT MY FATHER IN LAW GAVE ME HE HAD WRITTEN EXTREMELY RARE & VALUABLE.I GUESS WE WILL FIND OUT.THANKS AGAIN ~~~~~PETE

AUG 10 2002
What a neat website! Thanks! I had been looking for a print of the Gay Philosopher for a long time, looking through various art books, not remembering who the artist was, etc. I finally found a set of framed prints of The Gay Philosopher and The Philospher's Wife at an antique shop in Corydon, IN last year. I had edited a sort of gossipy newsletter in high school that we called "The Gay Philosopher" but I'm thinking the original picture that led to the title was a picture of the Gay Philosopher sitting on a park bench.

OCT 3 2002

Rick, Thanks for the info. I like the GP because of the attitude he projects (or that I perceive) from his facial expression. Kind of an "I am going to be happy no matter what" smile. I have gone through life with that perspective as well. It's the look of inner peace which many people never find. Well, that's my story and I am sticking to it. Thanks again for the info and a great site! -Bob

oct 21 2002
Thank you for your research and insight into a picture that has hung on the
walls of our home for nigh on to sixty years. -Helmuth

dec 12 2002
When I was a senior in high school (1962) my government instructor had a copy of "Why Worry" on the wall. He said that the Gay Philosopher's philosophy was "Don't take life too seriously; you're not going to get out of it alive anyway". Do you know if this is something Majors identified with any of his works or just the instructors spin? It is very interesting as I have always wondered about the artist since high school. In the future I will be on the lookout for other items.
Thanks, Jerry -Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

JAN 28 2003
Dear Rick,
I too have been researching Henry Major. My fiancee's great aunt passed away a few years ago and it was my job to clear out her NYC apartment. I found two signed copies of "Hollywood" by Henry Major and Bugs Baer as well as several caricatures of Ilse and her husband Dr.Leo and an unknown man, a painting by the artist,some photographs of him and a gallery brochure from an exhibition of his work in 1958. I believe Henry Major was a goodfriend of Ilse and Leo. Leo was a prominent psychoanalyst and a close collegue of Clara Thompson who I believe may have lived with Henry Major. I do remember reading a letter from Clara Thompson to Ilse and Leo which mentioned her and "Henry". I don't think I still have the letter but I'm pretty sure she was talking about him. Thanks, Carolyn

Jan 29 2003
Rick, I am writing about Henry Major and a print that I have of his. My father-in-law left us a print signed by Henry Major entitled, "In Love." It is the picture in the lower right side of your web site of the "hobo" with the rose. We don't know the story of how he acquired it. Apparently my mother-in-law did not like the picture, so it was kept in the attic until 2001 when my father-in-law came to live with us. Upon cleaning out his house, we came across it and hung it up in his new room at our house. None of us had ever heard of Henry Major and I was thrilled to come across your web site with all its info and pictures. My husband grew up in Butler, Pa, which is north of Pittsburgh, so maybe he got it in conjunction with the exhibit that Henry had in Pittsburgh. I'm sure my father-in-law picked it up in the 40's or 50's. Thanks again for your great web site. -Barb

APR 18 2003
Hi! Wanted to say I really enjoyed finding your site. I own a Henry Major of the Gay Philosopher that used to hang in my dad's office workshop. Dad said it had been there since the 1940's. The Philosopher is holding up a golden egg in one hand and holding a goose under his arm with the other hand. The caption: "Too many people think of security instead of opportunity." This item has such sentimental value for me. Of course I have seen variations of the GP in many old farm stores, shops and bars. I will try to find a way to scan it and send a copy if you don't have a version in your site gallery; anyway, I didn't see it on there. Keep up the great work! Scott -Columbia, Missouri

May 26 2003
Rick, My father spent WWII in India printing maps for the Pacific theatre when his lithography skills were realized by the Army. After WWII he worked in the litho industry as it grew with the explosion of advertising and new printing techniques until 1974. He one time ran a bunch of "Why Worry" prints, probably in the late 40's or so. I still have 3 of them unframed. I have always wondered about the relationship with this character and the single panel cartoon "Our Boarding House" with Major Hoople, the main character- the coincidence of slacker philosophy and appearance suggests a similarity of origin altho Henry Major is not credited with the by-line unless he is aka Gene Ahern; Major did work for Hearst; the Major ran from 1934-74 with at least 2 other artists after Ahern. What do you know about this connection? John -Milwaukee

june 21 2003
Hello! I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon your site about the Gay Philosopher...you see my great-grandmother always had a picture on her wall right in the bathroom which we referred to as "The Hobo". We rather disliked having this individual watching us and often complained that he was creepy, but the picture always remained right there watching whoever was on the toilet at the time. Recently we have been cleaning out her house and stumbled across this picture which we always laugh at just because it's so funny/scary looking. I noticed on the back that it was called "The Gay Philosopher--Why Worry?" by Henry Major and decided to try and research the artist just for kicks. I never thought there would be a website about him and the GP!! Anyway, you may think this is strange but my family has taken to hiding the Gay Philosopher around the house in strange places to play a joke on other family members. Yesterday I found him smirking at me while I was in the shower and I nearly screamed! Anyway, thanks for creating a website that could
shed a little light on who exactly Henry Major and his Gay Philosopher are.

Aug 2 2003

Dear Rick, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing the site with information and pix of and about Henry Major and his Gay Philosopher characters. One of my earliest memories (I am 58) is a framed print of the GP hanging high on the wall of the long defunct St. Helens Inn in my home town of Longview, Washington. Even as a boy, I could sense something reassuring in that smile. I didn't even know who created him until one day about a year ago when serendipity was on my side.
I walked into an antique store on Seattle's Pioneer Square and walked right in to what might have been the same framed print I'd admired nearly 50 years ago. I think I paid $25 for it. There's no place in our large home where my wife would allow it, so it hangs in my bathroom where I see it several times a day. At first I thought it was a different painting from the one I knew because the brush strokes looked heavier. Then I realized that the one hanging in the old Inn was hung high on the wall, and I was looking at it from a considerably greater distance so that the brush strokes blended together, thereby creating a crisper image. Until now, I had searched the Web almost in vain for any information about Major and the GP. This may be a lousy year for the country and the economy, but you've made me a very happy guy today. Thank you again, and please keep any as yet unpublished information/prints coming. And I congratulate you on your good taste. Yours, -John Mc

9 sep 2003
Dear Rick, Thank you for the kind letter and the glimpse of the Major seascape painting. He truly was an artist and not merely a sketcher and caricaturist. I also appreciate the new GP pictures on the web site. I printed the one that says, "To multiply happiness ... " for an 89-year-old friend, a dog lover and a former cow
puncher and logger who probably remembers the GP. If not, I know he'll be happy to have the pic. The "GP Home" pic is lovely, even in miniature. It printed out fairly well, and I've added it to the portfolio I've made with pix from your site. Hopefully, you will be able to show a larger image, but for me it's a thrill just to have this one. It also further reveals Major's talent as a landscape artist. I wish I could jump into it and enter the world of the GP and family. I am not exaggerating when I say that the work you've done to bring him and Major back into the open has been a Godsend for me. Yours, -John Mc

Dear Rick,
About a year ago I bought a print at an auction. I took pity on the auctioneer because he could not give her away. I loved her. She was the silliest woman I had ever seen and she made me laugh. I had no idea what she was. I looked high and low for the artist Major but found nothing anywhere. They all wanted to know the first name of the artist and I did not know that. Then a customer came into my store and informed me that she was called the gay philosopher. So, today I went in search of her and found your website. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful information you posted there. I am an antique dealer and I like having good information. What I learned from your web page enabled me to find out more. I now know that she is the Philosopher's Wife. Mind you to me she has always been Sherry Absinthe, because I think that she was into just that. She has always had a label that she is not for sale, although I have had many offers on her. Now that I know who and what she is, I will never sell her. The print I have has been framed about 50 years ago. We know that because the gallery that framed her left their label on the back. I think I shall start collecting more happy philosophers.
Thanks again for all your help.
Sincerly Angela

18 NOV 2003
Rick:
You have just help make my 66th birthday a great one, with my finally discovering "The Gay Philosopher" pictures. My grandfather, Isaac "Ike" Leland, had a framed picture of the G.P hanging on the wall in the office of his old feed store, Leland, Ryan & White on Maple Avenue in Hamilton, New York when I was a kid about 60 years ago. I have often thought about it and wondered what happened to it, or where I could find one. No one else seems to know what I am talking about, so I'm delighted to find out that I'm not crazy. Thanks and God Bless you. -Dick L

18 DEC 2003
My name is Heather, and just recently my Great Aunt of 83 years died and left me 3 paintings called "The Philosopher's Offspring" The little girl, then of little boy another of the father, and one of the entire family. They are all in excellent condition. She had always told me that my uncle found them somewhere out west and loved them and could never find but always continued to look for the picture of the wife to complete his set. My Aunt always thought they were ugly as my uncle had them displayed in the entry way to their home. My aunt told me my uncle had purchased them sometime during the time of the late 40's early 50's, she couldn't't quite remember. Thank You for your time, -Heather

10 FEB 2004
Dear Rick, I am always amazed by the specialists on the web and was delighted to find a web site devoted to " The Gay Philosopher". I recently sent a message regarding my aged father's long obsession with the print he bought back in the 1940's. Absolutely no one typifies that enigmatic smile more than my father. In spite of the tragic loss of two wives and a long-time companion (plus numerous relatives), he never loses his optimism, humor and good will. All those who know him love him. As I said, the Majors print of GP is his most prized possession (and inspiration), hanging in his kitchen where he sees it every day. His 92'nd birthday will arrive on May 5. -Kermit

20 MAY 2004
Loved your website on Henry Major. My father passed away in 1983, but one of my most cherished possessions is the framed Ma and Pa Philosopher print which was in his office at work. He loved the GP. I also had one of the advertising calendars with 12 prints, but unfortunately in my younger, stupider days, I took it apart and kept only the print of the GP holding his son's grade card while patting him on the head. This has really brought back a lot of good memories. -Becky, Shreveport, LA

17 July 2004
Dear Rick: I have been searching for someone who could give me more information on the origin of the gay philosopher and I found you today. I have been on the Internet several times looking but never came up with the right "formula" I guess. Today, I took a different route and there you were!! My husband died suddenly a year ago. I have of course been going through many things getting ready to move and am determined to find out a bit more about the Philosopher lamps that we have had for 50 years. My husband purchased them from a company called Tili Mac... The factory was an old school turned into factory and then some years later burned. In sorting and cleaning out I came across the business card of the company. It has a picture of the building on the front, and when you open it up the following appears: TiliMac Handicraft - Designers-Manufacturers - Wildlife Novelties. They made many fish novelties including fancy ashtrays, knickknacks. Also the gay philosopher lamps. The bust of the GP is mounted on a wooden base and the light socket holder comes up behind it high enough so a small lamp shade can be used and not hide the GP. These lamps are both in good condition, not pristine as some of the paint has chipped here and there. They seem to have a metallic sound when I tap on them. I cannot remember what my husband said the material was that they were made from. Across the base of the bust the words "The Gay Philosopher" are cut into the material. I enjoyed reading the history, etc. on your web site. I think some people were beginning to think I have lost my senses. Just because I am 80 doesn't mean my brain has stopped. I am just now going to retire from my job. You made by day with the web site. -Phyllis

10 Aug 2004
WHILE i WAS GROWING UP THERE WAS A PORTRAIT OF THE GAY PHILOSOPHER' S HANGING ON THE WALL OF OUR HOUSE. MY DAD ALWAYS LAUGHED AT IT AND I GREW TO THINK OF THAT PRINT AS MY OWN. WHEN HE DIED I ENDED UP WITH THE PRINT AND DULY HUNG IT IN MY HOUSE. ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO, MY SISTER SENT THE PRINT OF THE OLD MAN AND HIS WIFE AND MY WORLD CHANGED. I NEVER KNEW THERE WERE ANY OTHER PRINTS BY MAJOR UNTIL I SAW THAT ONE. I LAUGH OR SMILE WHENEVER I LOOK AT ONE OF THESE PRINTS. I LOVE HAVING THEM AROUND. THANK GOD THEY DON'T COST A LOT OF MONEY. ENJOYED THE SITE AND APPRECIATED THE INFORMATION. THANKS FOR KEEPING THE OLD GUY ALIVE IN PEOPLES' HEARTS. -CHAS IN MAINE

7 Jan 2005
I just bought a box of GP calendars from the early 1960's and didn't know what the heck they were. Thanks to your website, I now know. I guess they're not worth a ton of money, but they've brought me great joy artistically. -mt

17 Jan 2005
Thank you for your site. I have looked all over the internet to try and find some information on a picture of the Gay Philosopher and a picture of The Philosopher's daughter I got from an elderly lady that was around 100 years old. If not for your site, I think there would be no mention on Henry Major on the internet. What a shame. Thank you, Linda

28 jan 2005
Hey Rick, You've just made a couple of golden oldies very happy with your Major's
site. My brother (in PA) and I (in NY) were having a telephone discussion last night about all the things that we grew up with in Ohio. It centered around "what happened to" and included everything that was in Mom and Dad's house. Brother Bob said what he really wishes he could have would be our Dad's "Gay Philosopher" painting that hung in the den, but neither one of us knew who in the family might have taken it, 30-some years having passed since we've seen it. When we finished talking, I got
online and in less than a minute, Google found your site and there was Dad's painting, almost as big as life and still smiling away at me. I immediately e-mailed Bob, and now he's already made plans to purchase a copy of "Dad's" painting. We're really pleased to know that other people enjoy this art as much as our whole family has. And when I looked at the picture you have online of Henry Major, I think he must have been looking into a mirror when he painted The Philosopher, his nose and smile look the same to me--a most pleasant gentleman. Thank you very, very much. -Mary, Long Island

27 Mar 2005
Rick, I really enjoyed your website and learned much from it about Henry Major.
Thank you so much for sharing. I would like to share with you the way I came about getting a Henry Majors print. It is the the one which shows the Gay Philosopher showing off his proud catch with the Mrs. who has a look of discust. A cousin of mine who collects antiques and collectables gave me the print, she had found it in some of her rummaging around for antiques, and she thought of me when she saw it, because it seemed to tell a story. This print has brought many hours of pleasure. I just want to thank you for making me aware of who this great artist was. Prior to finding this info on your website I knew nothing about Henry Major or the Gay Philosopher. Needless to say, I am now a great fan, thanks to you. Forever Grateful, Joyce

18 Oct 2005
Dear Rick, I certainly enjoyed visiting your site and all the information it provided about Henry Major. My maternal grandfather, George J. Pike, was a furniture designer of some fame from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He had a hunting cabin on the forks of the Boardman River...It is where I spent almost all my summers as a youth. On the door going into one of the bedrooms was a print of the Gay Philosopher, it hung there until the sale of the cabin in the late 70's at which time it disappeared. Being the oldest of 10 children and my mother being one of 7( All with fair sized familys) my hopes of ever seeing that print again were nil. On Christman several years ago one of my sisters presented me with the framed print which I have included in this missive. She had rescued it before the sale. From the time frame of my memories it must have been purchased in the early 40's as I spend the first 3 or 4 years of my life in that cabin with my mother and grandparents...and I have childhood memories about that print. Thank You again, Michael

4 Nov 2005
If you're ever in Vestal, NY (near Binghamton) you must visit The Skylark Diner on the Vestal Parkway. Their back dining room is decorated with about 20 framed Gay Philosopher pictures. Cheers, Beth

4 Nov 2005
Thanks for your site. Because of you, I went and bought 10 calendar- sized B&B Gay Philosopher prints today. I think they adorned the walls of the City Cafe' in Sleepy Eye,MN where I grew up (b.1954). Some of them still have the whimsical writings on the back that were on the calendars. -David

30 Nov 2005
I have a poster of the GP and his son holding a piece of cardboard and they are cutting an insole for a pair of shoes that have a hole in the sole.The caption reads something to the effect" a person who has never had a bad day cannot appreciate
the good ones".This poster was and still is in a hunting camp my Father and I bought together in 1969 or 70. I get a kick out of it because I used to call my Dad the old philosopher and I teased him cause I told him he looked a lot like the GP in his
later years. -ART

2 dec 2005
(This email concerns a fake philsopher.I've seen a few. A pic is posted under Fake Philosopher. -Rick)
Found you on a web search of the Gay Philosopher. Your site had a lot of info.
I grew up with the painting. My Grandfather acquired it before I was born and it hung in their breakfast room, much to my Grandmothers chagrin. It hung in my fathers office for over 40 years, he loved it. My mother had it in storage and recently sent to me for my 57th birthday. The oil painting I have is signed EHP. Not sure if this a copy or what. Thanks! -Bruce…

4 Mar 2007
My uncle was a calendar sales rep for Brown & Bigelow back in the '50's and my aunt gave me an original GP "Why worry" print. I have had it for years and still have not had it framed. Then several years ago I was at a flea market and saw the "rocking chair" print and purchased it for about $2.00. After having it framed I realized that both prints were by the same artist, Henry Major. The "rocking chair" print shows a copyright by New York Graphic Society. Also, I think it is interesting that it shows two titles. The original title is "The rocking chair philospher" which is crossed through and above is a 2nd title,"End of a perfect day". FYI...I am originally from Hudson, Wis and my best friend since childhood is the daughter of Charlie Ward, former president of Brown and Bigelow during the 1930's, 40's, and 50's so I have a personal interest in this art. I also well remember the Claire Fry family. Thank you, -Judy

5 mar 2007
I was quite happy to find your website. My father, Frank (now deceased) was a good friend of Henry Major and studied under him. I have a drawing Henry Major did of my mom. My mom's wedding book lists Henry Major as one of her first callers after being married in 1934. I was happy to find out more about him from your site. -Melanie

15 Mar 2007
Hello, Rick, it's been a long time. A new bar & grill opened recently in an old Longview location. I went in for a beer today, and lo and behold, there hung a G.P portrait (print) with Major's signature (last name only). The background color looks different than mine which is chartreuse. The owner wasn't there, but later this week I'm going to take him a printout of the old promo description along with your GP web site. Thanks again for bringing the G.P. back to life. You're the only one in the nation! Yours, John Mc

1 Apr 2007
I stumbled upon your website quite by accident. I thought you might like to know of
my experience with The G.P. In Feb. 1951 (at age 21) I was drafted into the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, CA, adjacent to Monterey. After my basic training I was assigned to the Post Finance Office and remained at this position until being separated in Feb. 1953. After I was assigned to the staff of the Finance Office, a group of personnel soon formed a Sunday routine of visiting a certain restaurant in downtown Monterey for breakfast. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of this restaurant (now long gone) but the decor was entirely that of The Gay Philosopher.
We held improptu quizes among ourselves to match quotations with pictures on the walls. Needless to say, with GI pay ($82.50 per month), we were there only once or twice each month but the first Sunday after payday for sure. I am now 77 years old but remember those experiences like yesterday. A great influence, The Gay Philosopher was to many, and I feel our younger generations could use a lot of G.P.'s advice today. Sincerely, Rogers Mc Santa Maria, CA

2jul 2007
My father owned the City Café in Sleepy Eye, MN. He had the back wall of the restaurant filled with GP pictures. He discovered these when Brown and bigelow used them as calendar. My dad would put the name of the café on it and give them out as holiday gifts. He actually has a letter from Mr. Fry. We have probably 10 big pictures and a couple small ones. He found one actual painting on a wall in a hunting shack in Casper Wy. We grew up with this guy in our lives and my dad always said that his eyes always follow you. I think it is really true. It scared my kids when they were little. I am so happy that you have this site. I am ready to give the pictures to my daughter and she is delighted. Thank you for delving into this interesting person. Debbie

25 Jul 2007
Rick First, I have to say thank you for your wonderful website! For the last 8 or so years, I have searched off and on(mostly off) to find out what exactly I had in my possession. Thanks to you, I now know! Back in the 50's my Granny worked at a local police station and on the wall was a calendar that my grandfather took a liking to. She brought it home to him and he framed it. Keep in mind, my grandfather(Charlie) a thrifty old soul, used a Tide detergent box as the backing on them! He removed the bottom portion of the calendar, thus removing any marks I could have used for identification. All my childhood, those framed pictures hung in their den and left warm memories of those days. Those pictures now hang in my hallway as a reminder of those times. People often ask me what they are and where they came from. I finally have answers now. I know my calendars aren't worth the paper they were printed on, but for me they are priceless. Loaded with my new found knowledge, thanks to you, I must go ebay for what I dont need, but desperately want.Thank you again for your site and the time you spent on it! -Shannon

3 sep 2007
Hello Rick. Shirley from Springfield, Illinois. A few years ago I found a henry
Major lamp at an antique store in So. Carolina. I am working toward sending you a pic!!! H.M. is way too cool in my life. The G P hung in my parents tiny house before I was born in 1951. The kid next door always asked..."......is that your Dad!" Now that I have lost my best buddy ever....DAD............Henry Major has become a part of my heart. Thanks for your website! -Shirley

Hi Rick, How refreshing to find your website. I have been searching for years on the internet trying to find info on Major and his work. I inherited 2 paintings from my grandparents. I fondly recall the holiday dinners in my grandparents basement in the 1960's - 70s......I always was quite fond of the 2 paintings that hung on the wall; one is the Gay Philosopher's Pa (with lipstick hankies), and the other is entitled the Gay Philosopher (the Why Worry pic on your website). Both of theses paintings .... mounted on cardboard....now hang in my bedroom. For 6 years, they hung in my house in Moscow Idaho. I love and miss the Palouse. Thanks so much putting up your website. Kindest Regards, -Mike

28 Feb 2008
When some friends moved into a new place and found a cardboard cylander on a shelf in their basement, the unrolled the contents and thought of me. The next day the presented me with a print of The Gay Philosopher (playing flute) and the caption reading "The Gay Philosopher says: Instead of loving your enemies, treat you friends a little bit better." It now proudly hangs in the foyer at the top of my stairs. I was so happy to come across your site and learn about this piece which I had no background knowledge of hitherto. Thanks for all your hard work, and I'll be sure to check back often!

4 mar 2008
Hello. Just ran across your site, and really enjoyed it. I came across one of the small busts, 3 to 4 inches tall, and it has a 1951 Washington quarter (all silver) attached to it. It covers the tie, right at the collar. This came from an estate here in Fordyce, Arkansas. The family had been in business, and after reading the info on your site, I figure they came to have this through their business. Maybe 1951 was a significant year for them. Just wondering if you've seen any others with coins on them. Look forward to hearing from you. -Monda

Hi! I love your website! My earliest memory of his smiling gentleman, was around 1954. My grandfather was from Hungary and was a cabinet maker. He made cabinets in the basement of their home in Michigan. In the basement was an old fruit cellar where Grandma kept canned fruits and vegetables. The fruit cellar door had a window in it and in that window hung a picture of the Gay Philosopher. Grandpa would tell me that it was his "UNCLE". And when I would say no, he'd laugh with glee trying to convince me! I have 2 pictures of the Gay Philosopher in my home...a small one in my laundry room and a large one that hangs in my pantry in my kitchen...and I tell MY granddaughter that its my UNCLE!!! Such joy and memories that painting has brought!! Smiles...Abby, Clyde Park, Montana

09.24.08
Hi Rick- I own a painting that has hung in our very old log cabin in Northern Minnesota since I was a small child. The log cabin has not been used for over a decade as it has seen better days. While emptying the cabin to prepare for demolition, I came across this painting. In searching the web for info on Henry, I came across your site. I found a photo on your site that is similar to my painting. Your site titles this photo as "The Family" but my painting has a label on the back that titles it "The Philosophers Quartet". It is of the four family members.
-Chris and Angel W

03.28.09
Dear friend Rick,
It's hard to believe that not too many years ago, I'd search the Web for GP and find little or NOTHING. Then you unearthed him, Henry Majors, and the artist who succeeded him and brought this fabulous character back to life for those of us who had spent decades knowing only that smiling face from walls long since torn down.

I once wrote you about a GP siting here in Longview in a tavern that had opened under new management. The man who owned it had taken it from his paternal home and knew nothing about it until I briefed him and gave him the address of your web site. From then on, he wouldn't let me pay for a beer, which embarrassed me to the point where I quite going. According to one of your missives, the print he had was one of the "fakes," but no matter.

I might add that the guy was usually half drunk when I'd go in there, and he and his buddy recently sold out. Of course, the print went with him, but I still have mine (an authentic one with Major's signature) hanging where I see it daily.

Need I say more? Again, many thanks for your kindness over the past few years.

As ever,
JohnMc

03.29.09
Rick, I was excited to find this website with all the information on Henry Major. He was a close friend of my fathers. I have a letter he wrote to my father on my father’s death which was in 1947. I have three of his portraits and my sister has several of his as well as his book. I would very much appreciate been in contact and learning more about Henry Major whom I remember very vaguely—particularly sitting for my portrait when I was 5 or 6 years old just before my father died. My father’s name was Emil ----. I am also trying to find out information about my father and those in the Hungarian community who knew him at that time. I saw the portrait of Morgenthau whose daughter is a good friend of ours as well-- small world in many ways.

Best, Louise
06.30.09

Hello Rick,
I have attached a couple of pictures of a plaster bust of the Gay Philosopher. The piece is 3.25" high and 2.5" wide at its base and there are some minor chips in the paster; but the essence of the piece remains. If I recall correctly, the bust was mounted on a wooded base - but that is now long gone. My father gave this to me when I was a young boy and I am now 65 years old.
Hopefully this item is of interest for you to see.
Bob

09.20.09

Purchased a cottage in Ontario last year and found 8 prints of this family in an old sauna. They are in glass with tape around the edges and wondered if you had a suggestion of best way to preserve these. Plaquing would protect them but may not be the right thing to do. Will try to take some pics and send them to you. Cute familly

Marie in Ontario

09.21.09

Hello Rick,
My name is James, I'm originally from Williamsport, Pa. My story starts off about 28 years ago, when I was 7 years old, my Mother use to "Love" to go to yard sales, she would drag me all over...well one day I went with her and saw a painting. To me, as a little boy I thought it was a clownish looking Hobo. I had to have it though....50 cents and 28 years later I still have it....I named him Herman back then. Not knowing its origin, I recently set out on a quest to see where it came from. It was signed Major. I checked the Internet, but really no luck...well last night I was up late and checked on Ebay. And low and behold I saw Herman. At first I thought someone from my family was playing a cruel prank, by selling my prized possession. My family always hated it. So I hurried and ran to the closet, where Herman lives because my fiancé says it doesn't match the decor of the house. He was still there.... So I look at Ebay and the imposter was named "The Heir". Finally I knew something about it...which led me to your blogspot...I was at the computer till 1am, fascinated by my discovery. I just wanted to share my story about Herman me. I'm also enclosing some pictures. Thank you for all the great insight.

James
Phoenix, Arizona

10.19.09

My brother, sister, and I each have framed pictures of the G.P. and his family salvaged from our parents' neighborhood bar. It's a delight to see your website.
Mary Jo
Decatur, IL

11.19.09

Dear Rick:
My husband has had a collection of The Gay Philosopher prints for many
years. All but one of the are on your website.
We do have one which I didn't see there and it is of the son only. I've
attached a pic which, unfortunately, has a lot of glare but if you are
interested in adding it to your website I will get a good photo and send
you....I was so happy to find your website - - we knew nothing about these or the
artist.

Louise & Dave

02.11.10

Hi Rick:

Henry Major, I have recently discovered, is my great uncle. He was married

to my grandfather's (Franz Alexander) sister Elizabeth (also called Erzi). Anyhow, I have one of

his oil paintings which has hung in our home since I was a child. I was told by my mother it

was done by my god father which I now believe to be Henry.... I am in Nova Scotia now, grew up in California, born in Chicago where my grandfather founded Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. Of course, you know about Major's summers in P'Town and his affair with psychoanalyst Clara Thompson. ...

Ilonka

Nova Scotia

03.10.10
Hey Rick!! I found your web page regarding "Henry Major" The Gay Philosopher. I have about 6-7 of his prints different sizes. They belonged to my husband's boss. We bought the business 4 years ago and now they belong to us. I am having 4 of them framed to hang in my kitchen. I was able to get (2) of each the same size.
Thanks, Jean

03.10.10

Rick, I have a large print of the Gay Philosopher. It has been in my family since just after WW2. My Dad saw it and fell in love with it. It has always hung over our family bar at home where it currently hangs. I had it re-framed in the early 90's. It is still a talking piece when we have people over. I have seen small prints of him with his family (obviously done by him), they all look just like him. I would love to see other stuff he has done.

I am surprised to see someone who is also interested in Major.

Bob
Green Valley, Arizona

04.07.10

Hi Rick—

We have a copy of the head/bust picture hanging in our cabin at Lummi Island. My grandfather bought it in the 50s but my grandmother would not allow it in their house. He gave it to my mother who hung it in our really primitive beach house and when my parents turned that into a real home it was banished to my beach cabin. I have just transferred the cabin to my nephew and I hope that he keeps it on the wall there and does not move it into a real house. It has always lived on the beach. Four generations have loved that picture but not allowed it in their house!

Kelly

05.23/10

Hello Rick I bought these (2 prints) at an auction 2 weeks after my Dad passed away. I just wanted the boy one cause it made me smile and think of my Dad. I could not believe the pull to buy this, as you can see I got it. Then the other one came up and I realized it was the same artist.I had to have it . I love these they are in old frames and I never knew who or what they were about, that was almost 4 years ago. The couple pic says on bottom "The Final Touch" The wooden frame says "Standard of The World" I think they are original it looks like it has always been together. I just came from an auction and found some playing cards with the same image of the man I jumped on google and here you are. Thankyou thankyou. It has been driving me crazy. I love these and would never part with them they make me smile and think of my Dad. Do you have any information on the boy I love him he makes me smile. I would love to know more

Thanks again,

Grace

Fake Gay Philospher

2008-08-18T23:08:00.002-04:00

Whodathunkit! A fake (well...to be fair a Copy) of a Gay Philosopher.
I've actually seen a few of these over the years.

Click image to enlarge.

The gentleman who sent this pic tells me:
"I grew up with this painting. My Grandfather acquired it before I was born and it hung in their breakfast room, much to my Grandmothers chagrin. It hung in my fathers office for over 40 years, he loved it. My mother had it in storage and recently sent to me for my 57th birthday. The oil painting I have is signed EHP." -Bruce

Here's another:

Gay Philosopher - In Love

2008-08-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

This is kind of an odd print. It doesn't look much like the G.P. I have seen actual copies people have painted themselves of the Gay Philosopher. It begs the the question could this be an original non-original? Ebay seller Jim Dray shared this image with us. Thanks Jim!

Gay Philsopher's Pa

2008-08-18T20:55:00.000-04:00

One of the rarest Gay Philsopher images is that of his Pa. These two are the only ones i've ever seen. Thanks to Pam King and Carol Williams for sharing!

Click images to enlarge.