The National Museum of American Illustration
Museum Announces Gifts, Acquisitions, in 2005
The National Museum of American Illustration announces the
receipt of several significant gifts during the fiscal year 2005.
Among the gifts of artwork received was a collection of
works by the illustrator James R. Shaver, original illustration
artwork by H. Charles McBarron, original illustration artwork
by Michael Dolas, a collection of 150 original greeting card
illustrations, and a vintage Edison Mazda light bulb. Items
newly acquired by the Museum include a stunning Tiffany
Studios table lamp, titled "TURNING ACORN", and two bronze
sculptures by John Rogers. Additionally, on loan to the
Museum for the 2006 season is Norman Rockwell's painting
for the Saturday Evening Post, "CHOIRBOY COMBING HAIR
FOR EASTER" (1956).
"TURNING ACORN" BY TIFFANY STUDIOS
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The illustrator James R. Shaver (1867-1949) was active
primarily from 1910-1925 in New York, working for many
publishers including Life magazine, Century magazine,
American Red Cross Magazine, and The New York Times,
among others. During his career much of his work reflected
his deep concern with societal issues such as child welfare,
women’s rights and suffrage, poverty, justice and racial
equality. His vignettes were full of humor, wit and
compassion, and were revered by the public, so much so that
in 1913, The Century Co. published a compilation of his work
in a book titled "Little Shavers- sketches from real life". The
Museum is honored to be chosen as the recipient of a gift of
30 pen and ink drawings and 4 gouache paintings by
Shaver. This generous gift is made by Herbert and Tonia
Hughes, relatives of the artist and representatives of his
estate.
THE PATRIOT by James R. Shaver will be on display during
our Sixth Anniversary Celebration, during which we will
feature a special selection of patriotic images not typically on
display.
JAMES R. SHAVER, "THE PATRIOT"
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Also gifted in 2005 was an illustration by the artist H. Charles
McBarron (American, early 20th Century). This piece depicts
a couple disembarking from a carriage, and as such is
atypical for the artist, who was primarily known for his
military subject matter. This kind gift was made in memory
Don W. Norton, Sr., of Chicago. ELIJAH, from the Prophet
Series, is another exemplary gift received at the Museum this
year. This work is by Michael Dolas, an award-winning
Saturday Evening Post cover artist, inventor, collector and
sculptor, who is also a member of the Museum’s National
Advisory Board.
Additional gifts received include a collection of 150 greeting
card illustrations, from the years 1969-1980, primarily for
the publisher Norcross, and a vintage Edison Mazda light
bulb, which relates to the Museum’s collection of illustrations
by Maxfield Parrish for the Edison Mazda Co. during the
1920’s and 1930’s. These two gifts are examples of how
illustration art, in reflecting popular trends and styles, can
become art as historical evidence.
Please consider a gift to the NMAI. Contact Molly Dickinson at
401-
851-8949 x 18, or email
mdickinson@americanillustration.org. The NMAI is
administered by the American Civilization Foundation, a non-
profit 501 (c) (3) organization.
MAXFIELD PARRISH (1870-1966) VENETIAN LAMPLIGHTERS,
published as a General Electric Mazda Lamps Calendar, and a
vintage GE Mazda lamp, circa 1920, gift of Peter Ritchie.
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“As in years past, we wish to thank all our donors for their
generosity and support,” says Molly Dickinson, Director of
Institutional Development. “Gifts such as these help further
the Museum’s mission on several levels; both as an archive
of American illustration art, and as a vehicle through which
illustration art and its historical significance is presented to
the public.”
The Museum is open May 30th through November 3rd,
Mondays through Fridays, for tours daily by reservation only.
We
welcome groups year-round by advance arrangement.
Please visit our website at www.americanillustration.org for
more information, or telephone 401-851-8949 ext. 18.
NORCROSS Co. greeting card artwork, circa 1970, gift of Dr.
& Mrs. Hans DeBartolo
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The
National Museum of American Illustration- 492 Bellevue
Avenue,
Newport, RI 02840.
T: 401-851-8949 ext.18-
F: 401-851-8974-
lcutler@americanillustration.org-
www.americanillustration.org
The National Museum of American Illustration is a nonprofit
independent, educational, and aesthetic organization. It is
located in Newport, RI on Bellevue Avenue at Vernon Court
(1898), a Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French
chateau.
It is the first national museum devoted exclusively to
American illustration art.
Illustration consists of original artwork created to be
reproduced in books, magazines, newspapers and
advertisements. ‘Golden Age’ paintings by such luminaries as
Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, NC Wyeth, and 75 others
are displayed in ‘Gilded Age’ architecture, creating a unique
union of art and architecture- a national treasure.
The Museum is administered by the American Civilization
Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the goal to present
the best possible venue for appreciating the greatest
collection of illustration art; the most American of American
art.
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©2005 National Museum of American Illustration
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