CURRIERS & IVES Nathaniel Currier
James M. Ives
( 1813 - 1888 ) ( 1824 - 1895 )
The firm of Currier & Ives, the most famous lithographers in America, was founded by Nathaniel Currier
at 1 Wall Street in 1834.
In 1852 Currier engaged as a bookkeeper James Merrit Ives, who had recently married into the family.
An artist in his own right and with business acumen and a critical eye for technical perfection, it was not
surprising he was made a partner in 1857. It was at this time that the now familiar term "Currier & Ives"
came into beeing.
Many of the firm's lithographs were reproduced on stone from original paintings by leading artist of the
period such as Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait, who did so many fine hunting scenes; the marine artist James E.
Butterworth; George Henry Durrie; Eastman Johnson, and quite a few others. Working more directly
for the firm were Frances Bond Palmer, generally called Fanny; Louis Maurrer, who did most of the
Western and country scenes; Charles Parsons, responsible for many fine marine scenes, and Thomas
Worth, the great comic artist of the group.
The firm prospered until the deaths of Currier in 1888 and James Ives seven years later. Their sons
headed the firm until 1907 when advances in lithography and uninspired management forced them to
close.
James M. Ives 
