Charles Franklin Moss

Charles Franklin Moss (1878-1961) was an African American photographer and painter born in Winchester, Virginia. Moss' mother was born into slavery and his father was a mason. He showed interest in art early in his life and attended Cooper Union and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He was the first African American member of the Professional Photographers of America and reportedly designed the Flag of Pennsylvania. Moss spent most of his life in Pennsylvania and his works were later featured in exhibitions. He operated photography studios in Carlisle and Harrisburg, and a painting studio in Pittsburgh. He and his second wife, Sarah Virginia Townson, raised a family of twelve children.

Early life Charles Franklin Moss was born in 1878 in Winchester, Virginia, to Thomas and Mary Moss. Thomas Winifred Moss (1835-1914) practiced masonry and was a widower, with children from his previous marriage. In 1877, he married Mary E. Johnson Ligans (1840-1926), who had been "gifted" in 1845 as a Christmas present to the Miller family. When Rebecca Miller died, in her will she freed Mary, though the latter continued working for the Millers at 209 Fairmont Avenue for the rest of her life as a paid servant.

Not much is known about Moss' education in Winchester, though his talent for painting was apparent by his early 20s. In the 1900 United States census, Moss listed his job as "artist."

Career

In 1908 or 1909, he opened the Moss Studio in Carlisle, Pennsylvania at 228 North Pitt Street, the only known photography studio in Carlisle operated at the time by an African American. Moss opened a second studio in Harrisburg. In 1914, his photography skills resulted in Moss becoming the first African American member of the Professional Photographers of America. Tanner was the son of an African Methodist Episcopal Church bishop whose works often included Middle East settings and religious themes. Tanner's influence can often be seen in Moss' paintings, including Bedouin Encampment with Huts. In the 1930s, shortly after he and Sarah separated, Moss moved to Pittsburgh, Tanner's hometown, where he opened a painting studio at 2525 Centre Avenue and joined the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Moss' paintings received acclaim with a local newspaper describing it as "[Moss's] technique is regarded by art critics as being identical to that of the old masters."

Gallery