Gouache Illustration of Hoboken Pigeon Club, circa 1986
Entry/Object ID
2026.005.0025
Description
Greyscale Illustration of Frankie "County Loft" Casella, on 1st and Jackson street, circa 1980s. This illustration captures the wondrous content from the Hoboken chapbook, titled 'The Pigeon Guys,' a recollection of Vinne Torre and Lynne Earing's life with pigeons. Pigeon racing was a popular hobby (and career for some) in Hoboken throughout the 1920s up until the mid 1950s.
'The Pigeon Guys' traces Vinne Torre's life with pigeons highlighting his fascination at a young age, to being a renowned member of the United States Pigeon Racing Hall of Fame (a real thing!).
As for McCloskey's work itself, The Pigeon Club is a 23 in by 17 in piece that incorporates a beautiful gouache technique to highlight the various detailing that clouds the canvas.
More information about this illustration can be found on page 51 of 'Walking Around Hoboken,' as well as on the cover of 'The Pigeon Guys.'
Type of Drawing
Graphite
Artwork Details
Medium
Gouache
Acquisition
Accession
2026.005
Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Production Notes
Location
Front: Lower left-hand quadrant
Transcription
46%
Dimensions
Height
23 in
Width
17 in
Accessories
Accessory
Tape
Notes
Tape borders the entire piece, acting as a way for McCloskey to 'crop' his illustration. Notably, there is some paint on the tape itself, particularly on the left-hand side.
