1890 ALS Charles Wellman Parks, John La Farge Stained Glass Art 1899 Worlds Fair For Sale

Additional photos of the stained glass art works that were mentioned and damaged as well as the award that was given to La Farge are included for perspective but are not part of the sale.

Offered here is a rare and historically significant original 2-page handwritten letter dated January 24, 1890, written by C. Wellman Parks, the U.S. Superintendent of Group II at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. Written on official exposition letterhead from the "Éducation et Arts Libéraux des États-Unis d’Amérique," this letter offers a firsthand account of the return shipment damage sustained by U.S. exhibits, particularly referencing stained glass works by John La Farge and Walter Greenough.

This is a rare primary source offering insight into the logistics, challenges, and accountability issues faced during the repatriation of American art and artifacts following one of the most important world’s fairs of the 19th century—the very same exposition that introduced the Eiffel Tower to the world.

Letter Summary:

C. Wellman Parks writes from Paris to apologize for damage to a stained glass piece shipped back to the U.S. He notes that it was packed under the direction of a stained glass artist and references other notable exhibitors—La Farge and Greenough—who may have also been impacted. He reports widespread breakage in returned showpieces and laments that no clear insurance responsibility had been taken, as both the exhibitors and the committee assumed the other party had handled it. He recommends filing a formal notice of damage and regrets that no compensation appears possible.

Full Transcription:

ÉDUCATION ET ARTS LIBÉRAUX
DES ÉTATS-UNIS D'AMÉRIQUE
À L'EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE 1889
PALAIS DES ARTS LIBÉRAUX (Champ de Mars)
BUREAU DU DIRECTEUR
Troy, N.Y.
Paris, Fr., Jan 24, 1890

My dear Sir:—

Your favor of some days since has awaited an answer until I could look into the matter more fully. I am very sorry that your glass reached you in such shape for I had it packed under the charge of a stained glass artist who was supposed to know how to do it (the same who packed the glass for La Farge & Greenough). I have not heard from them and do not know whether their glass arrived in good shape or not.

The breakage of glass on the return has been something fearful in the way of picture glasses and show cases and no insurance seems to have been taken principally because the exhibitors thought the Comm. would look after it and the Comm. thought the exhibitors would do it. As it is I do not see how anybody is to recover anything for loss.

I have consulted with the New York Office and am told that there is no recovery.

Your glass arrived in Paris in such good shape, while most of the other was much damaged, that I thought it especially well put together and did not expect any such result as you say has developed on the return.

If any chance of recovery turns up I shall let you know.

Perhaps it might be well to file with me as Supt. Group II a formal notice of damage resulting from transit between Paris & Boston.

Very truly yours,
C. Wellman Parks
U.S. Supt. Gr. II Paris Ex. 1889

Biographies of Key Individuals Mentioned:

C. Wellman Parks
Charles Wellman Parks served as the United States Superintendent for Group II (Education and Liberal Arts) at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. His role involved overseeing American exhibits in this category, including managing logistics and representing U.S. interests abroad. Though little is known beyond this assignment, he held a high-level administrative position in one of the most celebrated world’s fairs of the 19th century.

John La Farge (1835–1910)
La Farge was a pioneering American artist and innovator in the field of stained glass, holding several patents for opalescent glasswork. He is widely considered a father of American stained glass art. At the 1889 Paris Exposition, he exhibited around twenty stained glass works and was awarded a first-class medal and the French Legion of Honor. Among his most famous pieces are Peonies Blown in the Wind and The Sealing of the Twelve Tribes.

Walter Greenough
Walter Greenough was a stained glass artist who worked closely with John La Farge. He was active in the same period and known for his craftsmanship. Greenough married fellow artist Emilie Lang, whom he met in La Farge’s studio. Although his individual works are not as widely documented, he played a key supporting role in the execution and transport of stained glass works to Paris.

Condition:
Very good antique condition. Minor edge wear, some creasing, and light staining at the folds. No rips affecting legibility. Ink remains bold and legible throughout. A rare and well-preserved piece of American and international art history.

Perfect for:

• Collectors of World’s Fair memorabilia

• Historians of American art and diplomacy

• Enthusiasts of stained glass and John La Farge

• Archivists and museum professionals

Ships securely with archival protection.
Please feel free to ask any questions.