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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Benn Pitman Biography PITMAN,
Benn (1822-1910). A British-American author of phonographic works and a wood
carver. He was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, the younger brother of
Isaac Pitman (q.v.), came to the United States in 1853, and settled in
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he founded the Phonographic Institute. He invented the
electro process of relief engraving, and in 1873 became connected with the
Cincinnati School of Design as teacher of descriptive art, especially of wood
carving. In this latter field he
introduced what has since become known as the Pitman school of wood carving,
which provides for the treatment of naturalistic designs and admits of beautiful
effects. His influence as an artist was considerable throughout the middle West.
He is the author of numerous works on phonography, of a Plea
for American Decorative Art (1895) and a Life
of Sir Isaac Pitman (1902). The New International
Encyclopaedia, Vol. XVIII
(New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920)
674-675.
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