Collections2024-02-05T17:55:20-05:00

COLLECTIONS

Collections Hunters:
Uncovering the Museum’s Art and Archival Collections

The Red Rose Girls: An alliance for artistic success

During an era when women were expected to get married, raise children, and manage a household, Elizabeth Shippen Green (1871-1954), Jessie Wilcox Smith (1863-1935), and Violet Oakley (1874-1961) chose to pursue careers in the arts. In 1897, these three women enrolled in famed illustrator Howard Pyle’s (1853-1911) class at the School of Illustration at the Drexel Institute, Philadelphia where they formed a bond. The women rook residence at the Red Rose Inn; hence their moniker.

Santa in Illustration

Back in the 1800’s, the image of Santa Claus was not portrayed as the round, jolly, bearded man that we know today. Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, Santa morphed through a variety of different looks. He was initially depicted as a thin elf-like man dressed in green, who was focused on protecting children and sailors. At other times, he appeared skinny and gaunt, with a scraggly beard and, while he may have worn a red coat, he sometimes wore a different colored hat, trimmed in black.

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From the Archives – Video Series

From the Archives is a video series that explores the archives of the Norman Rockwell Museum.  In these videos, the NRM Curatorial staff will highlight both archival elements both from Norman Rockwell but also from the Museum’s broader illustration collection.  Each episode will focus on a unique theme.

THE ART OF NORMAN ROCKWELL

Featuring the original artwork of Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell Museum houses the most significant public collection of Norman Rockwell’s work in the world. The Museum’s holdings include original artwork, and the artist’s studio and its related collection, including personal memorabilia, supplies, and reference materials.

The Norman Rockwell Art Collection Trust
The Norman Rockwell Art Collection Trust forms the heart of the Museum’s collections. In 1973, Rockwell bequeathed his personal collection in trust to the Museum so that the works could be exhibited, preserved, and used for the “advancement of art appreciation and art education.” This 367-work collection includes such large-scale oil paintings as Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, Triple Self-Portrait, The Four Freedoms, Girl at Mirror, and The Marriage License, and preliminary sketches and studies in pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and oil.

In 1976, Rockwell added his studio and its contents to the Trust collection. From this later bequest, the Studio Collection and the Norman Rockwell Archives were formed.

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Art Critic - Collections

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), Art Critic, 1955. Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, April 16, 1955. From the collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. © 1955 SEPS: Curtis Licensing, Indianapolis, IN. All rights reserved.

ILLUSTRATION COLLECTIONS

Norman Rockwell Museum’s growing permanent collection of original illustration is both historical and contemporary, featuring more than 14,000 works by more than 250 artists. Significant collections, featured here, highlight the art of Norman Rockwell’s teachers and artistic inspirations, twentieth century magazine and periodical illustration, and work by contemporary creators.

Many important works have come to us through the generosity of caring donors who have designated the Museum as a home for their treasured collections. We are grateful to our many donors for their ongoing support of the Museum’s collecting mission, which places Norman Rockwell within the context of his vibrant and ever-changing profession, the field of illustration.

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Norman Rockwell Museum - Collections

Wendell Minor , Edward Hopper Paints His World   2014
Cover illustration for Edward Hopper Paints His World by Robert Burleigh, Henry Holt and Co., Gouache and watercolor on paper
Norman Rockwell Museum Collection, Gift of Wendell Minor

Postman Reading Mail

Norman Rockwell, Postman Reading Mail, 1922. Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 18, 1922.

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 ARCHIVES AND LIBRARY

        The Norman Rockwell Museum Archives (“the Archive”) are the largest and most comprehensive archival collection relating to the life and art of Norman Rockwell, and a repository for collections relating to the art of illustration, both historical and contemporary.  Housed at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA (“the Museum”), the Archive comprises the cornerstone collection of the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies (RCAVS).  The first of its kind in the nation, this research institute promotes contextual scholarship relating to American illustration, and supports the Museum’s mission to preserve and interpret this important aspect of American visual culture.  The Archive preserves and makes accessible collections relating to the life and art of legendary American illustrator, Norman Rockwell, as well as materials bringing to light the work of other noted illustrators, whose contributions reflect the evolution of this vibrant and ever-changing American art form.
Norman Rockwell entering his Studio - Collections

Norman Rockwell entering the South Street, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, studio, 1966.
Photo by Louie Lamone (1918-2007). ©Norman Rockwell Family Agency. All rights reserved.

IMAGE RESOURCES

Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) is a resource for high-quality images of the objects in its collections. It provides 8″x10″ images scanned at 300dpi delivered over the internet (FTP). You may request custom sizes and resolutions for your order. The NRM reserves the right to evaluate each request. The NRM also reserves the right to charge fees and impose conditions above and beyond those listed in this Web site when deemed necessary.

        The NRM holds no copyrights for any works by Norman Rockwell. Clients are responsible for securing appropriate copyright permission. Materials will not be released without the written permission of the copyright holder. See Copyright Information.

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Norman Rockwell Museum - Collections

Norman Rockwell Museum, all rights reserved

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