Penrhyn Stanlaws was born in 1877 in Dundee, Scotland. A prominent illustrator of the 1910s through 30s, his ladies would show up everywhere from cigarette ads to the covers of Colliers, The Ladies' Home Journal and The Saturday Evening Post.

Typical of the thirty-seven Post covers Stanlaws painted was a stylishly dressed, rather haughty lady and a hat to die for. The artist frequently used props (in addition to the dazzling chapeaus) such as bouquets or coffee cups.

Stanlaws was born Stanley Adamson. His brother, Sydney Adamson, was also an illustrator, so Stanley changed his name to avoid confusion.

Stanlaws dabbled with more than just paint: he played a key role in building the historic Hotel des Artistes on West 67th Street in New York and even directed some silent Hollywood films in the ‘20s.

Note his distinctive signature: the capital “S” is resting in a circle of contrasting color. The artist passed away in 1957.

Featured Cover Art

View All