Norman Rockwell helped make and shape Santa Claus into the friendly figure we love today. His many illustrations over the years in national publications, such as The Saturday Evening Post. But according to the Museum's website, that was just a portion of his art. The main portion of his artwork was for advertising purposes. Santa at the Map is a well known illustration -- the cookie jar shown here depicts that artwork. This was made for The Norman Rockwell Gallery in 1997.
But it was Thomas Nast who was the first to depict the American Santa as we know him today.
His illustrations were patterned after the description of St. Nicholas in Moore's "Night before Christmas". Before Nast, we would be hard pressed to make a connection of the jolly man we are familiar with now, to the way he was depicted many years ago. Nast's first depiction of Santa Claus was for Harpers Weekly in 1862, he went on to produce many more engravings of Santa over the years. It was Nast who gave Santa his North Pole home, originated the elves and workshop, letter writing to Santa and he also conceived the idea of "bad" children not getting gifts!
There are literally hundreds of companies and artisans who make Santa Claus figures and collectibles today. And it would be impossible to mention them all, but here are a few of my favorites.
- The Lynn Haney Collection
He has made such a big contribution to the world of Santas, it's hard to believe that he started producing them as recently 1987. Haney Santas are detailed, beautiful and highly collectible. - Byers Choice, Ltd
Starting in 1960's with Carolers, this was strictly a home based industry until 1978 when they hired their first employee!
- Fitz and Floyd
No one does a Santa as intricately detailed as Fitz and Floyd. Although they are probably best known for their dinnerware and china, they have also made their mark on the world of collecting with their giftware, figurines and more recently, ornaments. - Pipka Collectibles
A renowned folk artist and teacher, Pipka is celebrated for her old world Santas and inspirational angel and Madonna designs.
- Lenox Collections
It's been around since 1889 and the name Lenox always means quality. Their fine crafted porcelain Santas come in different products, ornaments, figurines, boxes, cookie jars, etc. These Santas are extremely collectible.
- Lladro
Costly, but worth it, is the best way I can describe Lladro porcelain. Their porcelains (and Santas) have a certain look. No one can mistake a Lladro!
- Annalee
Developed in the 1950's these wire-framed, felt dolls have a unique look. You won't mistake an Annalee either!
- Norman Rockwell Museum
Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum for collectibles featuring Rockwell's American traditional Santas.
- Dept. 56 Website
This company could easily be called the Christmas Company. Their villages, including the North Pole Village is a favorite for Santa lovers. It's become more than a village, it's almost a city now, with numerous buildings from the "North Pole". The company also produces Santa in many other versions, such as the example shown below.
Old World Christmas - Bavarian Heritage
From Coynes & Co., an inexpensive line of porcelain Santas that are no longer in production. - Kurt Adler
Another company that could vie for the title Christmas Company! Santas, ornaments, nutcrackers, glass ornaments, and everything else that could possibly be considered "Christmas". - Williraye Studios
Known for their Americana inspired folk art pieces, Williraye Studios also includes a few Holiday pieces in their line.
Known for their glass ornaments, Santa lights and now Nutcrackers. The Merck Family's company has been in the Christmas business since the 1970's and is probably one of the best known to the casual collector.
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Sources Include:
History Buff, Thomas Nast
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