For quite some time, I have recognized that many people fail to grasp the significance of the Sosman & Landis Scene Painting studio in Chicago. Few appreciate the quality and quantity of scenic art produced by firm between 1880 and 1920. They dominated the production of painted illusion in North America during this period. By 1902, Sosman & Landis had delivered scenery to 6000 theaters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and the Caribbean. It is remarkable to think that this number did not include touring shows, world fair amusements, industrial shows, or other public spectacles. This was also before their period of peak production, c. 1912-1914.
For quite some time I have wanted to create a a visual aid – a short video that explored the early history and rapid growth of Sosman & Landis. I was just waiting for the right music.
This summer, my son, Aaron Barrett, composed “Serenade for Her,” as a gift for his girlfriend on their third anniversary. After listening to it during my commute to work for weeks, I knew this was the perfect music for my story. It is the story of a remarkable partnership between Joseph S. Sosman and Perry Landis. Enjoy.
It is a pre-cursor to my upcoming book about Sosman & Landis. I will keep you posted about it’s release here.
To be continued…
This is an incredible piece of work. I only wish I could look at some of the sections longer. I’m going to guess that in your book there will be a discussion at length as to the restoring and preservation of what work can be saved. Aaron’s composition is stunningly apropos for the visual that you have created.