The Parrish Sisters

<h4>Photographed by Williamina Parrish</h4> <p>The Parrish Sisters, Williamina (1880-1940) and Grace (1882-1954), were born into an upper middle class family in St. Louis. By 1900, the sisters were known locally as amateur portrait photographers and maintained a private studio and gallery in their home. They actively photographed in the United States and abroad into the 1920โ€™s. Their work appeared in numerous exhibitions and publications both nationally and internationally.</p> <p>The subject of this photograph, Mrs. Fischel was a devoted wife and mother as well as a published author and music composer. Her husband, Dr. Ellis Fischel, was a prominent cancer surgeon in St. Louis.</p>

Marguerite Kauffman Fischel, 1922

Photographed by Williamina Parrish

The Parrish Sisters, Williamina (1880-1940) and Grace (1882-1954), were born into an upper middle class family in St. Louis. By 1900, the sisters were known locally as amateur portrait photographers and maintained a private studio and gallery in their home. They actively photographed in the United States and abroad into the 1920โ€™s. Their work appeared in numerous exhibitions and publications both nationally and internationally.

The subject of this photograph, Mrs. Fischel was a devoted wife and mother as well as a published author and music composer. Her husband, Dr. Ellis Fischel, was a prominent cancer surgeon in St. Louis.

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<h4>Photographed by Grace Parrish</h4> <p>This photograph of childhood friend, Guida Richey, captures her in a sumptuous Oriental gown. Born in 1881, Guida lived at 5555 Cabanne Avenue โ€“ just a block down the street from the Parrish Family. Guida and Grace remained close friends and often travelled abroad together.</p>

Guida Richey, ca. 1914

Photographed by Grace Parrish

This photograph of childhood friend, Guida Richey, captures her in a sumptuous Oriental gown. Born in 1881, Guida lived at 5555 Cabanne Avenue โ€“ just a block down the street from the Parrish Family. Guida and Grace remained close friends and often travelled abroad together.

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<h4>Photographed by Williamina Parrish</h4> <p>Throughout their lives, the Parrish sisters often photographed infants and young children in their home photography studio. The identity of this young boy is unknown.</p>

Portrait of a young boy, 1922

Photographed by Williamina Parrish

Throughout their lives, the Parrish sisters often photographed infants and young children in their home photography studio. The identity of this young boy is unknown.

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<h4>Photographed by Grace Parrish</h4> <p>Portrait of British socialite, Dorothy Fellowes-Gordon.</p>

Dorothy Fellowes-Gordon, 1921

Photographed by Grace Parrish

Portrait of British socialite, Dorothy Fellowes-Gordon.

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<h4>Williamina (left), Grace (right)</h4> <p>โ€œโ€ฆmy younger sister Grace and I work together and that is the only reason any of our pictures are worth while. So you will please put us together in speaking of them, as it would be unfair to say that I alone had made the photographs. We think and work together for one end โ€“ Art.โ€</p> <p>Williamina Parrish โ€“ Western Camera Notes, June 1903</p>

Passport images of the Parrish Sisters

Williamina (left), Grace (right)

โ€œโ€ฆmy younger sister Grace and I work together and that is the only reason any of our pictures are worth while. So you will please put us together in speaking of them, as it would be unfair to say that I alone had made the photographs. We think and work together for one end โ€“ Art.โ€

Williamina Parrish โ€“ Western Camera Notes, June 1903

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<p>Young child — four years old — playing in surf at the beach. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1927.</p>

4 years

Young child — four years old — playing in surf at the beach. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1927.

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<p>Portrait of an infant wrapped in a blanket, held in a woman’s hands, possibly placed on her lap. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1923.</p>

7 weeks

Portrait of an infant wrapped in a blanket, held in a woman’s hands, possibly placed on her lap. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1923.

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<p>A boy, between 2-4 years old, sits on trunk, looking out a window. Name is variously spelled on verso of photographs: Alan MacMath; Allan McMath. Signed: Grace Parrish.</p>

Alan MacMath

A boy, between 2-4 years old, sits on trunk, looking out a window. Name is variously spelled on verso of photographs: Alan MacMath; Allan McMath. Signed: Grace Parrish.

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<p>Photograph of two priests walking down a lane in Amalfi, Italy. Their backs are to the camera. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1913.</p>

Amalfi

Photograph of two priests walking down a lane in Amalfi, Italy. Their backs are to the camera. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1913.

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<p>Portrait of young girl — two to four years old. Photographer unidentified; may be Grace Parrish or Williamina Parrish.</p>

Barbara McCasland, Vine Colby's daughter

Portrait of young girl — two to four years old. Photographer unidentified; may be Grace Parrish or Williamina Parrish.

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<p>Portrait of English actress Constance Crawley (1870-1919) costumed in cowl and beard. Crawley toured the United States and made four films in Hollywood before her death.</p>

Constance Crawley 2

Portrait of English actress Constance Crawley (1870-1919) costumed in cowl and beard. Crawley toured the United States and made four films in Hollywood before her death.

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<p>Signed: Williamina Parrish, 1909</p>

Barbara McCasland, Vine Colby's daughter

Signed: Williamina Parrish, 1909

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<p>Portrait of Fannie Lippman Richey. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1910.</p>

Fannie Lippman Richey

Portrait of Fannie Lippman Richey. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1910.

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<p>Portrait of Nadine Stein. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1909.</p>

Nadine Stein

Portrait of Nadine Stein. Signed: Grace Parrish, 1909.

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