Charles W. Smith

To celebrate Smith’s work, the Valentine, with the help of Richmond based crowdfunding company Bonfire Funds, has created a shirt featuring Smith’s print “Backyards” (V.59.72.26), a view of iconic Richmond row houses that was named one of the 50 best prints of 1931. Through November 5, you can place your order for this special shirt that introduces the Valentine’s new brand in conjunction with Smith’s work. With an additional donation of $15 or more, you will also become a Valentine Member complete with all of the membership bells and whistles.

Charles W. Smith (1893-1987)

Born in Lofton, Virginia, Charles Smith studied at the University of Virginia, the Corcoran Art School and Yale’s School of Fine Art. He taught at the University of Richmond, the College of William and Mary and the New York School of Printing.

He moved to Richmond in 1925, where he worked for the printing firm Whittet & Shepperson.  While living in Richmond, Smith worked as a commercial artist out of his apartment on Monument Avenue. He was the first professional artist to be hired by the Richmond School of Social Work and Public Health (later Richmond Professional Institute and then VCU) to teach art in 1927. Smith published “Old Virginia in Block Prints” in 1929 while he was still in Richmond, and the book was named one of the 50 most beautiful books of the year.

Smith once said how necessary it is for a state or region to have its own art, and the Valentine wants to carry on Smith’s mission.

To celebrate Smith’s work, the Valentine, with the help of Richmond based crowdfunding company Bonfire Funds, has created a shirt featuring Smith’s print “Backyards” (V.59.72.26), a view of iconic Richmond row houses that was named one of the 50 best prints of 1931. Through November 5, you can place your order for this special shirt that introduces the Valentine’s new brand in conjunction with Smith’s work. With an additional donation of $15 or more, you will also become a Valentine Member complete with all of the membership bells and whistles.

“Backyards” is shown below with a sample image of the t-shirt next to it. Click the button below to purchase your shirt and support the Valentine today!