Paul Sawyier Library
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Historical Marker #2293 is located at the Frankfort public library, which is named in honor of noted Kentucky artist Paul Sawyier. The building that initially housed the library was the former United States courthouse and post office. The current Paul Sawyier Public Library was established next door in 2008. The United States courthouse and post office building was frequently featured in Paul Sawyier's paintings.
Biographical studies of Paul Sawyier have been difficult to write. As an artist, he rarely dated his paintings and he kept no diaries or notebooks describing his life and work. Much of what has been written and documented regarding Sawyier's life has been through the recollections of his acquaintances.
One of the most extensive studies of Paul Sawyier was first conducted by Dr. Willard R. Jillson in the 1930s. In October 1939, Jillson published "A Bibliography of Paul Sawyier, American Artist (1865-1917)" in the "Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society." Jillson collected letters and interviewed Sawyier's friends and family.
Other key references about Sawyier include "The Art of Paul Sawyier," by Arthur F. Jones and, most recently, "Paul Sawyier – Kentucky Artist," by William Donald Coffey. In 1974, author Nettie Glenn wrote a biographical novel about the artist entitled, "Love to All, Your Paul."
Today, the Kentucky Historical Society has the world's largest collection of Paul Sawyier paintings.
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Wapping Street
Painting of Wapping Street in Frankfort by Paul Sawyier. Post office is at the end of the street on the right. Photo courtesy of the University of Kentucky.
Drinking Fountain at Post Office
Painting of the drinking fountain at the old post office on Wapping Street in Frankfort. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Covered Bridge
Painting of the covered bridge on Bridge Street in Frankfort by Paul Sawyier. You can see the top of the old P.O. between the telephone poles. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Covered Bridge, Frankfort
Drawing of the covered bridge in Frankfort by Paul Sawyier. The top of the old post office (later the Paul Sawyier Library) can be seen to the right of the bridge. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Old Paul Sawyier Library
The old Paul Sawyier Library was once the United States courthouse and later the U.S. Post Office before it became the Paul Sawyier Library. The library moved next door to a new building in 2008. Photo courtesy of Amy Roe.