Currier & Ives

This app allows you to view and search a collection of drawings and prints from the Currier & Ives collection at the Library of Congress and in the public domain. According to Wikipedia, Currier & Ives described itself as “Publishers of Cheap and Popular Prints.” At least 7,500 lithographs were published in the firm's 72 years of operation. Artists produced two to three new images every week for 64 years (1834–1895). This app presents 2,273 for your viewing and download.

Tap a photo thumbnail to see a larger image accompanied by a description and a button to download the jpeg file or a larger tiff file. While viewing the image if you bring up the share charm, you will be able to share the photo via email. To view a slide show (manual, not automatic) while on the main page, simply tap the 'Slide Show' button. While viewing the slide show, you, again, may bring up the Share Charm to share an image via email. To search the entire collection for a word or a phrase (not a collection of words), simply bring up the Search Charm or if on the main screen tap the Search button.

A full description of the collection may be seen at http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currier_and_Ives. It is a wonderful collection of 19th century Americana: Landscapes, family life, sport, politicians, and much more. Download a tiff image, print it on a photographic quality printer, and you have 19th century art for your living room. There is also a sister Windows Phone 8.1 app.

Comments and questions: [email protected]