A profound interest in architectural detail, old buildings and the countryside led John Albert Seaford to record historical views in and around Richmond, Indiana and in seaport towns such as Boston, Massachusetts. Seaford split his time between Richmond and Boston, the two cities he loved and claimed were the most attractive places to live. It was in Boston where he spent most of his time as an illustrator, illustrating books for Radcliff College, Dartmouth, Harvard and the city of Boston. He worked as an illustrator for the "Boston Herald" where his works would appear often on the front page of the newspaper.

Seaford spent his winters in Richmond where his work could be found on display at Price Confectionary or in the Starr Piano Store. An early member of the Art Association of Richmond, he exhibited his paintings yearly in the Annual Exhibit by Indiana Artists. Although well known in Richmond, Seaford has all but been forgotten in Boston despite his numerous illustrated publications on Boston and Old Seaport Towns in New England. A recent exhibition in 1997, found no information regarding John Albert Seaford in the Boston Museum of Fine Art archives.

However, he has left both towns with an historic legacy of our architecture and natural beauty. He recorded many brilliant buildings and homes which no longer stand, justified by progress and growth. A strong draftsman and eye for color and shading, made his works highly desirable by local residents.

Among his favorites places to paint were old sections of Richmond and Centerville, Indiana as well as Glenn Miller Park. Most of his works remain in private homes with a few represented in the permanent collection of the Richmond Art Museum, Boston Public Library, Morrison-Reeves and the University of Michigan.

Shaun Dingwerth
Executive Director
Richmond Art Museum

The following biography is excerpted from "Art in Richmond: 1898-1978" a museum publication.

"Born in North Carolina, John Albert Seaford moved to Spiceland, Indiana as a boy. From 1879 to 1899 he studied architecture and painting in Boston, Massachusetts and contributed illustrations to magazines. From 1903 to 1906 he lived in Indiana.

Returning to Boston, he illustrated books and news as a pioneer in newspaper photoengraving. In the 1920s and 30's he spent winters in Richmond, Indiana displaying his work at Price's Confectionary, Morrisson-Reeves Library and the Art Museum.

His interest was in old houses, Glen Miller Park, and the surrounding woodlands. He kept a summer home in Boston, Massachusetts."