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While doing census transcription, interns often notice things of interest about people — birth place, family structure, different occupations. Alexis Lewis, who loves art, was engaged by Anne & James Wainscott, commercial artists who lived on 2333 Salutaris in 1940.
Alexis discovered that they did not live on Salutaris long. During WWII, they supported the war effort in South Carolina, creating posters for Black soldiers recruited to the army. When they returned to this area, they settled in northern Kentucky and continued to practice their profession. Anne worked for Shillito’s Department Store, drawing fashion ads for the French Room and for newspaper fashion sections. Anne died in 2024.
Alexis particularly liked 3 of Anne’s drawings: the spring hat, a blue dress and a newly fashionable T-style dress.
Alexis comments about this sketch of a woman in a blue dress: “The posing of the woman, as she leaned against the chair and looking back at the viewer, has an intriguing aura around her. The sketchy yet formed style really shows Wainscott’s artistic skill but also shows her roots as a fashion illustrator with the loose brush strokes to build up the dress body.”
Alexis describes the drawing of a spring hat as, “a minimal piece where the hat, the flowers on the hat, and the eyes are the only forms seen. I like the use of colors, such as the layered green background and the use of teal and red for the hat.”
Even in black and white, Anne’s drawing is captivating. “Another design from Anne that stands out,” says Alexis, “is from July 24th, 1962, issue of the Post where her fashion illustration of a T-style dress is shown. The simple outlining and detailing as well as the use of solid black coloring for the background really makes the piece compelling despite being simplistic in nature.