Checking it Twice
$375.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
You can almost hear the soft tap of tiny hammers and the creak of the workbench as Father Christmas pauses to acknowledge a visitor. Morrissey gives us a warm, intimate moment: Santa is shown not in flight but at his work—a kindly, focused craftsman with a twinkle in his eye and sleeves rolled back, shaping a wooden toy train. The tall, narrow format emphasizes his long white beard and the steady rhythm of his hands, while the careful pool of light on his face and the worn wood of the bench suggest years of devoted, patient labor. Little details—the clock on the wall, the clamp holding a painted toy horse, the miniature drum—build a comforting scene of tradition and care rather than hurried spectacle. It feels like a quiet backstage view of magic being made, one that brings a soft sense of wonder and reassurance about the care behind holiday joy.
The Artwork
About Father Christmas The Workshop
Father Christmas: The Workshop<br> MASTERWORK CANVAS EDITION
“We all know about Santa Claus and his annual circumnavigation of the globe,” says the artist. “It’s quite a feat by any standard. But what is a bit less explored is what Santa does the other 364 days of the year. All year long and right up to Christmas Eve, Santa is a toymaker extraordinaire. He’s up to his elbows in a labor of love, turning out magical toys at a pace and of a quality unparalleled in the world. With this portrait, I wanted to depict the master craftsman engaged in his work. Hearing the bell above the door, he looks up to greet his visitor. Perhaps the visitor is us, come to catch a glimpse of the making of magic.”
Here at The Greenwich Workshop, the holiday season doesn’t begin until we unwrap a box from artist Dean Morrissey to reveal the year’s painting of Father Christmas. Over the past ten years we have had the pleasure of publishing Morrissey’s portraits of a very real, wise and generous man that just happens to be Santa Claus. In Father Christmas: The Workshop, he’s putting in a few hours after dinner, with a couple of industrious elves for companionship and help with the finishing touches. Why not let this picture of a twinkle-eyed craftsman decorate your home for the holidays this year?
Here at The Greenwich Workshop, the holiday season doesn’t begin until we unwrap a box from artist Dean Morrissey to reveal the year’s painting of Father Christmas. Over the past ten years we have had the pleasure of publishing Morrissey’s portraits of a very real, wise and generous man that just happens to be Santa Claus. In Father Christmas: The Workshop, he’s putting in a few hours after dinner, with a couple of industrious elves for companionship and help with the finishing touches. Why not let this picture of a twinkle-eyed craftsman decorate your home for the holidays this year?
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
Dean Morrissey (1951–2021) was a celebrated American fantasy artist and children's book illustrator, renowned for his enchanting oil paintings that bring imaginative worlds to life. His notable works include "The Christmas Ship" and "The Great Kettles," which showcase his whimsical storytelling and masterful depiction of Santa Claus and other fantastical subjects. Morrissey's art is characterized by its rich detail and warmth, making his collectible art prints highly sought after by enthusiasts of fantasy and children's literature illustrations.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Dean Morrissey.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
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"Dean Morrissey has been drawing and creating characters since his childhood in
Boston. Inspired by Disney matte paintings and comic book heroes early on, he
grew to appreciate the works of the masters, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pyle
and N.C. Wyeth.
Morrissey worked a variety of job until deciding to paint full time in the late
1970 s. He worked as a freelance book cover illustrator for over 15 different
publishers in New York and won numerous awards. Morrissey is self taught, and
considers the demands of cover illustration to have been his "art school".
In 1991, Morrissey began to paint some images from a story that he was
creating. His books include Ship of Dreams Harry N Abrams (1994), The Great
Kettles: A Tale of Time Harry N Abrams (1997), The Song of Celestine Little,
Brown and Co. (1998), The Christmas Ship HarperCollins (2000), A Christmas
Carol Greenwich Workshop Press (2000), The Moon Robber HarperCollins (2001),
The Winter King HarperCollins (2002), and The Monster Trap HarperCollins
(2004).
His awards include The Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for The Great
Kettles, The Chesley Award for The Light Ship (2002), and he is a current
nominee for this year s Chesley Award for Anna of the Celts (2003).
Morrissey lives with his wife Shan and his son on the South Shore of
Massachusetts.
"
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