Inga Stephens Pratt Clark facts for kids

Inga Marie Stephens Pratt Clark (1906–1970) was a talented American artist and book illustrator. She was also known for being part of a lively group of writers and artists in New York City during the 20th century, along with her husband, Fletcher Pratt.

A drawing by Inga Stephens Pratt for her scarf invention patent.

Inga's Life and Art

Inga Stephens was born on December 8, 1906, in Brookings, South Dakota. She loved art and studied it at the Académie Colarossi in Paris, France. She also attended the Art Students League of New York.

On July 1, 1926, Inga married Fletcher Pratt. He was a very busy American author. They lived together in New York City.

Illustrating Books

Inga used her artistic skills to illustrate several of her husband's books. These included Tales from Gavagan's Bar, Empire and the Sea, The Empire and the Glory, and A Man and His Meals. She also helped him write at least two stories. After Fletcher passed away, Inga managed his literary works.

Fashion Artist and Inventor

Inga worked as a freelance commercial artist. She used the names "Inga Stephens," "Inga," and later "Inga Pratt." She was especially good at fashion illustration. She even wrote a textbook called Fashion Drawing with Tedi Berri.

Another artist, Kay Hardy, once said that Inga Pratt's art style was unique. It was "as definite as individual handwriting."

Inga was also an inventor! In 1959, she received a patent for an improved scarf she designed.

A Glimpse into Inga's Personality

Fletcher Pratt wrote about his wife, Inga. He mentioned she grew up in Montana and learned to ride a horse very young. She had many interesting pets, including eagles, a coyote, and many cats. He also said she enjoyed playing the recorder and driving her car.

A Hub for Writers

Inga and Fletcher Pratt loved to host friends. Their homes became popular gathering spots for many famous writers.

The Hydra Club

In the early 1950s, the Pratts hosted meetings of the Hydra Club. This was a social group for science fiction writers in New York. They met at the Pratts' apartment in Manhattan.

Many well-known writers were part of the Hydra Club. Some of them included Frederik Pohl, Lester del Rey, Judith Merril, Isaac Asimov, and Harry Harrison.

The Ipsy-Wipsy Institute

Later, the Pratts bought a large home in Highlands, New Jersey. It had over thirty rooms! They playfully called it the Ipsy-Wipsy Institute. This house also became a favorite place for their literary friends to gather.

Guests included members of the Hydra Club and other science fiction writers. Authors like L. Sprague de Camp and Theodore Sturgeon visited often. Mainstream authors and editors, such as John Ciardi, also enjoyed spending time there.

Later Life

After Fletcher Pratt passed away, Inga married chemist and author John Drury Clark in 1962. Inga had actually been the matron of honor at John Clark's first wedding in 1943.

John Clark dedicated his book Ignition! to Inga. He wrote that she encouraged him to write it with her "wifely remarks."