Print Collection

The DTA is fortunate to have a large collection of prints acquired by donation and purchase, principally at the beginning of the last century. The core of the collection is a comprehensive group of New York City scenes, mainly from prior to the Civil War. 

Because we have no views of other cities or locations beyond the Bronx, the early Art Committees clearly had a firm idea of how the collection should be concentrated. We were fortunate to have a large bequest of New York prints from member J. Harsen Purdey in 1916, which is memorialized in a plaque in the stairwell. We also have a large collection of prints of sailing ships, warships and monitors, a good selection of naval battle scenes from the War of 1812 and a few historical portraits. Of note are a selection of covers from the American humor magazine Punch on the fourth floor and original ink portraits of New Yorkers of 1906 in the first floor Ladies Room which are on loan from a member.

The Club began the restoration of the collection in 2007 to museum standards.

Portraits

Each of the presidents of the Club has had his portrait painted, either from life or posthumously. These are hung throughout the Clubhouse with those of the current and three immediately preceding presidents to be found in the lobby. Fortunately many of our presidents have been long-serving or we would be hard pressed for wall space. In addition to these, portraits of three notable club officers of the last century are to be found in the bar. Artists include Ellen Emmet Rand, Jon Marshall and Hilary H. Holmes.