Eleanor Abrams  (1885   -   1967)  Works

Eleanor Abrams (1885 – 1967)

Born in Butler, Pennsylvania in 1885, Eleanor Abrams was one of nine siblings. Her father was a well-to-do oil man and founder of the local Butler County Bank. Looking to pursue her artistic interests, Abrams relocated to Philadelphia at the age of 20 to enroll at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now known as the Moore College of Art and Design) under the instruction of Henry B. Snell and Elliott Daingerfield.

After graduating in 1908, Abrams shared a studio with fellow alumnae, Cora Brooks and Lucile Howard,  in Philadelphia. Together, the three women exhibited regularly at the Plastic Club and other surrounding venues. The threesome quickly grew to five when joined by Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton and Helen K. McCarthy. In 1912, the five women held an exhibition of 233 small paintings in New York City. This show was extremely well received with Eleanor Abrams’ scenes of Bermuda getting favorable attention.

These women would continue to exhibit together and in 1917, would become original members of the group known as, “The Philadelphia Ten”. In 1920, Abrams traveled to the French Riviera and Brittany with Lucile Howard and M. Elizabeth Price. Upon their return, the three women shared a studio in New York City. Abrams remained a member of “The Philadelphia Ten” until 1922. Shortly thereafter, she returned to her native Butler, Pennsylvania, where she remained for the rest of her life. There is little known of her career after 1922. Abrams is best known for her vibrant floral still lifes and garden pictures as well as scenes of Bermuda where she spent many winters.

Source: New Hope for American Art by James Alterman