Elliott, Wallace William

Wallace William Elliott (1842 - c.1900) was an American lithographic artist, printer, and publisher based in Oakland and San Francisco, California, whose city-view production began around 1879 and peaked in the late 1880s and early 1890s. Born in New York, he was registered to vote in Alameda County by 1876 and resided in Oakland's first ward in 1884. His business used numerous imprints, including W. W. Elliott and Co., Elliott Publishing Co., Elliott Litho. Co., and Elliott Litho. and Pub. Co.; both Oakland and San Francisco appeared as business locations, with San Francisco predominating after 1887. Elliott's principal contribution to cartography was producing detailed bird's-eye views of western towns and cities. John William Reps documented his involvement as artist, printer, or publisher in 48 city views, including 38 dated 1887 - 1891. Most depicted California communities, with additional subjects in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Initially credited chiefly as a printer or lithographer, Elliott also drew views of Pomona in 1886, Wildomar in 1887, and Fresno, Modesto, and San Jose in 1888. He printed and published work by other artists, including Bruce Wellington Pierce (1859 - 1947). His large-format views typically combined a central panorama with numerous architectural vignettes and descriptive text promoting the community's resources and prospects. Local newspapers published at least 12 views printed by Elliott, apparently distributing them as subscription premiums, while boards of trade sponsored others. Most were printed in black and white, although his establishment also produced color lithographs, notably Pierce's Portland view in 1890 and a Los Angeles view in 1891. Beyond separately issued city views, the firm published illustrated regional histories, including Humboldt County (1881), Fresno County (1882), and Idaho Territory (1884). Elliott's surviving output documents the development of California's former Gold Rush settlements and the expansion of newer railroad towns and Pacific Coast cities during the late 19th century.