Published on Oct 14, 2008: My name is Karen Anastasia Placek. This is a small collection of artwork that is helping to support me during a very difficult time in my life. There are twenty-three different prints you can choose from at this time. Log on to sforiginals.com for a complete view of this collection. UPDATE!!
San Francisco Originals/SFOriginals/sforiginals (reserved for aspect to Retired Chief Greg Suhr/SFP)
"A wealth of artistic flare is found in ageless lithographs"
*Anastasia Inc.
Sole proprietor
SF originals is owned and operated by Anastasia Inc., I am offering to the general public Ageless Lithographs sold on 100% Rag Archival Paper Stock (acid free)..
I attended both public and private schools but ultimately was educated at home by my mother all the way to the graduation of her University, called “Life”, thanks Mom, you shine in the armor of your education. For an complete resume on-line please find it on LinkedIn or by following the following link at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-placek-a0b44469
A “mother and daughter” venture has been born;
This is a classical introduction to a tradition lost through the ages. Telling the story of time through artistry and verse whilst enjoying the most beautiful intricate lead pencil drawings of Historic Homes and Mansions, truly these are ageless lithographs.
Prints are available in the following sizes:
11x14 $8.00
14x17 $23.00
22x30 $32.00
18x24 $32.00
Note cards $1.50 each
HOT OFF THE PRESS!!
Special orders are preferred, your printer or ours!!
Prices subject to change due to printing and shipping costs for individual orders.
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The City by the Bay
Our home is now your artistic interest in History.
The John McMullen Home “1881”
827 Guerrero St.
This print shows San Francisco’s landmark pearl, the home of John McMullen. This home, a superb example of the Queen Anne styling, is located in the Inner Mission District. Constructed originally in 1881 and extensively redesigned by Samuel Newsom in the year 1890. Mr. Newsom along with his brother Mr. Cather is recognized as two of the most prolific and influential late 19th Century builders of the Queen Anne style homes and mansions.
Queen Anne’s express the now recognized tower and turret as the most recognized feature. However, the graceful and masterful addition to their beauty included ornamental décor, delicately and masterfully adding to the uniqueness of their design. The two features combined were the tell tale sign of being the primary architectural features which made the two brothers known as bold and confident architects of the Century. The most expressive of this would have to be demonstrated with “The Carson Home” in Eureka, CA., perhaps the most well known.
Mr. McMullen, a Connecticut native, arrived in San Francisco, 1876, he became a carpenter and a builder of the cities finest and most interesting designs. In 1877 Mr. McMullen established the San Francisco Bridge Company; this would be the first of a number of contracting and dredging companies that he organized. This list went on to include “the Atlantic Gulf” and “the Pacific Company of New York”, both in existence today. In addition to these feats he was recognized as a pioneer in the hydraulic dredging industry, his firm was responsible for the following projects: “San Francisco’s Green Street Wharf”, “Mare Island Navy Yard Dredging” and the construction of 47 bridges while in employ with the Canadian Pacific Railway.
In 1908 Mr. McMullen moved to New York, selling his home to a local druggist named Joseph Young. The Young’s enjoyed their home and the entire ambience that it provided until 1956.
Recognized as a San Francisco Landmark in 1981, and then listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The Haas-Lilienthal House
2007 Franklin Street
“1887”
This print shows San Francisco’s landmark ruby, the Haas-Lilienthal House. Located at 2007 Franklin Street she was constructed in the year 1886. William Hass was a Bavarian immigrant, he was instrumental in the construction of his home. Mr. Haas was the first president of the “Haas Brothers”, a company that wholesaled liquor and established the “Cyrus Noble Whisky”.
Generally considered to be along the lines of the Queen Anne styling, this home shared the qualities of the Shingle Style and the Colonial Revival construction genre.
Surviving the “Earthquake and Fire” of 1906 she has gone on to serve as a museum and the headquarters for the San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation.
Recognized and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
817 Grove Street
“1880”
This print demonstrates the intricate pencil drawing that the original professes with such elegance and grace. The amazement to detail and the capturing of the individual details of this beautiful home are simply remarkable to me, a true emerald. An Italianate style home, the artist conceptualized this innovative design in the 1880’s. The “Earthquake and Fire” of 1906 threatened the life of this glamorous girl, it came within a half of one block of her skirt tales.
943 South Van Ness Avenue
“1890”
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The Imperial Russian Consulate
1198 Fulton Avenue
“1875”
This print will amaze you both in tale and description of a young sharply cut diamond. Known as the William Westerfield House, confusion was set firm by this diamond, for the story is urban lore, more than likely began in the year of 1928. The home at 1198 Fulton Avenue across from Alamo Park, had been purchased by collective of” Russian Czarists”, a mystery for the ages to solve.
Tom Wolfe the author of “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” published in 1968 perpetuated this idea that the Westerfield was the “Imperial Russian Consulate”. The touring and unsuspecting visitors of the “City by the Bay” were told by bus drivers and tour books alike that this was the consulate of the Russian Czarists.
Henry Geilfuss designed “The Westerfield House” completing construction in the year 1889 for a total cost of $9,985.00. This grand price tag was afforded by Mr. William Westerfield, a prosperous German immigrant who made his fortune in baking. He owned and operated a chain of bakeries in the San Francisco Area. He was one of the many incredible people that made San Francisco their home and shared with us the prosperity of their heritage. Alamo Park is a neighborhood that will demonstrate this fact best, grand homes and well worth appreciating the investment all of these people made for us to enjoy so many years later. Definitely demonstrating the facets only a diamond could truly display.
Recognized and listed with the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
819 Eddy Street
“1880”
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The Tower House
573 South Van Ness Avenue
“1878”
This print is exquisite in the detail of expression in the style of the Queen Anne architectural features. The Tower House is located in the inner Mission District in the city of San Francisco.
210 San Jose Street
“1878”
This print is intricately drawn with the artist drawing attention to the “Tiffany” lamps in the windows, the ornate wrought iron fence that is an accent to the shrubbery at the base of the home. This home was located in the Inner Mission District of the city by the bay.
300 Pennsylvania Avenue
“1868”
This print captures the imagination and artistically demonstrates the San Franciscan Victorian-style architectural design of the century.
“The ring set with Homes and Mansions, burned into the minds of Man, the pages of history and bell tolls on”
1906 Earthquake and Fire
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
812 Steiner Street
“1890”
This print of an Alamo Square Victorian Home is a style indicative of the 18th century. Standing proudly today this incredible home represents the strength of yesteryear and we are fortunate to join her for a brief swing through our time. The artist has imagined the brilliance of the day and certainly in her glory years, expressly in the expression in each window as you pear into the past of a lovely ladies home. As your imagination carries to this peaceful and serene destination, gaze upwards and see the peak of the roof as it so delicately accents the completeness felt with this home. Then at last as you grace your presence into the artist’s conception, note the entrance and how the door is truly a gateway into the home of a delicate and yet lasting impression that this home offers you today.
959 South Van Ness Avenue
“1870”
The John Spencer Home
1080 Haight Street
“1895”
This print demonstrates the Queen Anne built in the Haight-Ashbury District of the city. Designed by Fred Rabin, he turned the reins over to the contractor and builder, William Tegler. She was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 2005.
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The Mish House
1153 Oak Street
“1885”
This print allows us to enjoy the landmark “Mish Home”. She has been exalted as an example of the “Stick Eastlake” style of architectural design. Built in the later part of the 18th century, she stood proudly on the beautifully landscaped corner block of Oak and Divisadero. Designed by McDougal and Son, the cost for her was $15,000.00 to build, a true beauty. In 1897 she was moved across the street, during which the stairway that extended straight to the sidewalk was not to move in its original design. Rather it was replaced with a concrete stairway cascading down in front of her, taking away from her original elegant design with the coarser look of industrial design today.
Mr. an Mrs. Mish were considered to be one of the early pioneers in San Francisco, Sarah and Phenes were born in England, but this is where they truly thrived. Sarah Mish owned and operated a dressmaking and a millinery company, located in the business district (downtown). She grew to have multiple locations with store fronts on Geary Blvd, Kearney, Market Street and Dupont (otherwise known as Market Street). This was rounded out by a wholesale business she ran all along the Pacific Coast. Phenes Mish in his own measure of success was a well-known Dry Good Importer, served as President of the Congregation, Sherith Israel, 1881-1885. He passed on in the year of 1895 while Sarah Mish continued on until the year 1916.
Heirs to the Mish Estate sold the home in 1928 when she was then converted into apartments. During the 1950’s a fire took her and she remained in a deteriorated state for the next 20 years. In 1975 The Preservation Group stepped in and restored her to her formal glory. This incredible home is recognized as one of the San Francisco Landmarks, declared before the restoration in 1974. She then went on to be listed with the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
1202 Dolores Street
“1879”
This print brings to light the popular Queen Anne architectural design, so popular in the late 18th Century. This wonderful gal is located in Noe Valley; she compliments the neighborhood with her simplicity. In this print one should take note to the artist’s conception just inside the window. As you look into the window you see lace curtains that compliment the stain glass windows and the classic window shades of the time. This Queen Anne seems a bit more striking, as the artist has taken her turret and made it as striking as a springtime bonnet at the Derby.
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
1286 Guerrero
“1894”
This print allows us to see a four-story Queen Anne Home, joining her Dolores neighbor in the Noe Valley District of San Francisco. The regard which the artist has taken and drawn in detail the curtain draw strings is spectacular. The balconies are especially striking and complemented so strongly with the wrought iron fence. Still holding court today you may see her at the corner of Guerrero and 25 Street.
3628 16th Street
“1874”
This print shows us a magnificent Victorian Home located in the Duboce Triangle District. She sat on the great fire line whilst all the homes across 16th street went up in flames in the great earthquake of 1906.
3641 17th Street
“1874”
This print express’s the beauty of a two-story Victorian Home, still standing today with strength and presence. She is located in the Mission Dolores District of San Francisco.
“Shining brightly in the City of San Francisco”
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
3755 20th Street
“1887”
This print is a spectacular example of the elaborate Victorian design of the late 18th century. This beauty still stands today as testimony to the time and the integrity that the builders had in not only design but thought to longevity through solid construction. She is located in the Eureka Valley District of San Francisco.
The Laguna Street Ladies
1801 -1803-1815-1819 Laguna Street
“1880”
This print is a compliment to her sister’s; the artist has shown us his conception of these beautiful homes as they would have been in the late 18th century. They stand in a much more proper style; almost a bit of snobbery is exhibited in comparison to the Steiner girls. Comparisons are always made when competition is heated between Ladies of this nature; however, it was simply their hats that brought this on to these lovely ladies.
Enjoying the detail of this print, hats aside of course, include the lamps and the vases which are visible to you, almost as if you are standing just in front of them on the street or maybe you have joined the lady and gentleman as they stroll on the sidewalk. Today you may stroll hand in hand and enjoy these lovely ladies as the wait your arrival on Laguna Street.
The Charles Crocker Mansion
California and Taylor Streets
“1870”
This print shows us the mansion belonging to Mr. Charles Crocker, the President of the Central Pacific Railroad. The Crocker is built on an enormous block of land at the top of Nob Hill. He would have accomplished actually having what is now a “city block” but a homeowner refused him and his offer for his property, leaving Mr. Crocker thwarted. He was known as a vengeful gentleman and did not let this disparity go without notice, so, in retaliation he had a 40 foot wall built which surrounded the homeowner’s property.
The 1906 earthquake took pause and spared the mansion, but the raging fire that followed did not show the same resolve, the mansion was forced to succumb burning to the ground. Grace Cathedral now stands on the former site of this exquisitely designed Mansion.
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The Mark Hopkins Mansion
999 California Street
“1860”
This print is a favorite; the artist must have had an amazing command of his art to gift us with such sweet eye candy. The Mansion was designed by Wright & Sanders and built in 1878. This is one of the early” Big Four” on California, sitting majestically atop Nob Hill in San Francisco, you have to stop and be taken back with the architects design. Surviving the 1906 Earthquake and Fire this Mansion went up in flames regardless; destiny seems to even demand the brick and mortar to obey when called. The Mark Hopkins Hotel stands strong in its place.
The Steiner Street Ladies
712 – 722 Steiner Street
“1894 – 1895”
This print shows us the “Painted Ladies” as the artist conceptualized them in the late 18th Century. These Victorian Homes line Steiner Street with such elegance and grace. The view is enjoyed from Alamo Park and includes the Robber Baron Homes in the distance. City Hall is also seen through the recognizable dome that sits atop that building.
These ladies are an iconic landmark in San Francisco.
The Stetson Mansion
“1870”
This print is of the James Stetson Mansion, built in 1870 and survived both the Great Earthquake and the Fire that consumed so much of the city on that fated day in history. The mansion actually stood across from homes that were burning on Van Ness Avenue.
James Stetson was the President of the California Street Cable Railroad Company.
Today, a non-descript brick building sits in place of this beautiful mansion.
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
California’s Governor’s Mansion
Full View
Sacramento, CA
“1877”
These two prints show both the front and side view of this Mansard styled mansion. This is a true Victorian Gothic, complete with cupola and was built as a private residence in 1878 for the Sacramento pioneer Albert Gallatin. This mansion was designed and then constructed by the most prominent architect at the time, Nathaniel D. Goodell. The total cost of this undertaking was in excess of $70,000.00.
The death of Mr. Gallatin prompted the sale in 1887 to Joseph Steffens, a Sacramento dry goods merchant. Mr. Steffens, President of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce was well known for his “Racing Stables”. Lincoln Steffens, a nationally known author and relative of Mr. Steffens resided in the mansion during his boyhood years.
The State of California purchased the home in 1903 to put the mansion into service as its Executive Mansion. George Pardee was the first Governor of California to call her home. Serving the state as home to thirteen Governors over a 64 year period during which time the State Fire Marshall declared her unsafe for occupancy. Declared unsafe in 1941 she stood strong in her service to the state until 1967 when Governor Ronald Reagan moved out of the residence. At this point she was declared to be a state landmark and opened to the public for daily tours.
In 1970 the National Register of Historic Places granted this mansion her status in history and placed her on the registry of landmarks.
California’s Governor’s Mansion
¾ View
Sacramento, CA
“1877”
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
The story of how these beautiful and masterful drawings found their way into my life:
In the 90’s, during an antique hunting trip in the Sierra foothills, I discovered the jewels of architectural wonder, masterful prints buried in the splintery bins of a faltering shop. I took pause at the sight of the treasure I had just uncovered and immediately recognized both the quality and uniqueness of these ageless lithographs. Ultimately, I made the acquaintance of Ms. Laura Stevens, owner and operator of; Laura Inc. Ageless Lithographs.
Ms. Stevens has long been a patron of the arts much like me and an immediate bond was created. She has sponsored artists who work in media and it is this venue that piqued her interest. She has been a collector of objects d’art since her early teens, graduating from California State University San Francisco. Throughout her life Laura has traveled most of the world, and this exposure has taught her to appreciate all forms of art as well as art that have been created throughout the ages. Laura has an extensive personal art collection and her home has the ambience of a miniature museum. Through her Company, Laura Inc., Ms. Stevens hoped to share her art as well as to expose fresh art talent to the general public. Laura Stevens, also known as Laura Inc., sold total interest in her inventory of Ageless Lithographs as described, all “ORIGINAL DRAWINGS” for the Ageless Lithograph collection, All “Photostats” for the Ageless Lithograph collection, All “NEGATIVES” for the Ageless Lithograph collection, All printed Lithograph of various sizes on hand at the time of the sale to me, now owner, operator and sole proprietor of the most incredible drawings that I had ever seen to date. Special thanks to Ms. Stevens, your confidence in my ability to carry forward with a dream not yet realized, inspired a girl to make a beautiful woman her mentor in the arts. This is my story and the investment of one woman’s life that has brought the beauty of this unique collection to the general public. All rights to reproduce are expressly owned and operated by Anastasia Inc. exclusively.
A delightful addition to the wonder of such a whale of tale, only one day in my life, I have found that not only are all of my drawings titled with addresses but a number of them are San Francisco architectural landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ms. Stevens had them registered with the Library of Congress and of course copyrighted (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright) but to learn that each has an even bigger story to tell is the cherry on top of this remarkable collection.
The inheritance of such an unknown collection and the shear number of “Originals” I possess has put my life in jeopardy in unimaginable ways; I was completely unaware and certainly unprepared. I was ignorant to the fact that a great wealth is seen as only dollars to make, no matter to the investment that it took to create and develop such a collection. Be advised that illegal actions and sales of digitally mastered copies of my works to produce a beautiful introduction to this collection for the general public has been reported to the United States Department of the Interior, U.S. Copy Right Office, Library of Congress and local authorities. Any and all of these pirated versions of my collection are to be regarded as fraudulently collected and immediately reported to the F.B.I. for an on-going investigation.
It is sad and brings/brought heaviness to my own heart to know that people have stolen art to make money in mass production and not to tell the tale or enjoy the efforts of Mr. Eddie Williams, Ms. Laura Stevens and myself to bring artistry to the general public.
Karen Anastasia Placek, a.k.a.: Karen A. Placek, Karen Placek, K.A.P., KAP
Not for reproduction, sales purposes only, all rights reserved and held in Trust by Anastasia Inc., a mother daughter venture capitol
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