Ralph Irwin Prints

[TSCLowe]

Always searching for anything related to Civil War Ballooning I recently found two Ralph Irwin signed and numbered prints on eBay: "Confederate Observation Balloon Under Attack" and "Commissary, Balloon Corps". Wanting to learn more I started searching the internet and making phone calls.

First I learned that Mr Irwin passed away at the age of 76 on August 14, 2018 and his Studio closed soon thereafter.

After more digging I was able to contact his widdow who shared the following:

"We were both in the movie (extras) 'The Blue And The Grey'. Ralph always had his sketchbook close by and captured many of the moments he saw.

He was later commissioned by City National Bank for 6 prints as 'new account gifts' and picked 6 of his favorite drawings from his "The Blue And The Grey"sketchbook; two included balloons.

I've since gone back to the original seller on eBay and purchased three other Ralph Irwin signed and numbered prints: "Union Field Hospital", "The Battle of Bull Run", and "Gettysburg Battlefield"

All 5 prints belong to the same set: 71/300

Does anyone else have or know of these Ralph Irwin prints?

Respectfully Submitted,

TSC Lowe, Aeronaut
Civil War Balloon Corps Living History

 

[RedRover]

The balloon sketch is of actors Chris Stone (left) and Dan Shor (right)...

Here's the view of the Gettysburg battle debris used in the film

 

[Lubliner]

Wow, he is a good sketch artist for sure.
I love the one with the men in the gondola.
Lubliner.