Grimshaw House
The Grimshaw House is 1 of 4 pieces created in early 1999. The historic significance of this building is its
relationship to Nathaniel Hawthorne. This is where he courted his wife, Sophia Peabody. The house
still stands and is bordered by one of the oldest graveyards in Salem, which sits on a raised expanse that abutts
directly against the house mdway up the first floor. It is known that Sophia's father was a dental
surgeon, as you may know, dentist's had far reaching roles in the 1800's and often dealt with life threatening absesses
and other ailments much beyond what we attribute to today's modern dentistry. The parlor of the house (also the waiting room)
conviently overlooks the graveyard. Many was the patient who may have pondered their own future and the course of
their treatments as they sat patiently looking out into the scene that would often include a funeral or two for their
more morbid thoughts to ponder and reflect upon. Certainly the morose and macabre nature of the building and it surrounds
helped to ferment and inspire some of Hawthorne's marvelous creativity. Alas, the building still stands (behind
the Essex Museum) in most perfunctury dishevel reflecting most accurately the lost souls it has encountered over its lifetime.
This particular proof is a first generation one, a significantly more handsome one is available that includes an aquatint which
futher accentuates the mood and tone of the structure in its present day terms. The plate size is 9.5"x13.75".
Copyright © Robin Richard Emrich 1999-2000
