The Norman Rockwell Museum

We headed to Stockbridge, Massachusetts today to visit the Norman  Rockwell Museum. We are both big fans of his artwork. I can remember when I was a kid enjoying his covers on the Saturday Evening Post. He always kept America aware of what was happening in his illustrations and his characters made such an impact.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Artist Facing Blank Canvas - 1938

Going and Coming - 1947

Pictures Taken By Rockwell of his neighbors 

and friends for The Gossip (below)

The Gossips - 1948

Inside the Museum

Triple Self Portrait - 1959

Lee in Triple Self Portrait

Art Critic - 1955

The Golden Rule - 1961

The Problem We All Live With - 1964

Home for Christmas (Stockbridge, 

Massachusetts Main Street) - 1967

More of the Gallery

The New American La France Is Here - 1971

Ad for Fire Engines

Fruit of the Vine - 1926 and 1941

Ad for Sun Maid Raisins

Stained Glass Window - 1960

Norman Rockwell's signature was based on the 

illustration as in the one above.

Aunt Ella Takes a Trip - 1942

The Tattoo Artist - 1944

The Saturday Evening Post Room

This room in the museum has three walls full of Norman Rockwell's Covers for the Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell did several of the Presidents on Saturday Evening Post.  This is Dwight Eishenhower.

There were several political covers.  This one is the Case for Democrats.

Rockwell's illustration of John F. Kennedy was actually used twice.  They used it again after his assassination. 

The "Do Onto Others" Illustration

There was another Exhibit in the Museum today.  It was the Edward Hopper Exhibit.  Edward was another illustrator.  We took a little time in this exhibit although we were not familiar with his work.  That is probably why everything says "The Unknown Hopper".

They had a nice covered area next to the museum where people could have a previously prepared sandwich or salad.  We were hungry but we decided we would rather try out one of the Main Street restaurants in Stockbridge.

We were about to head to the truck when we noticed the sign telling us that we could see Norman Rockwell's Studio.

The Administrative Building

This was formerly the home of Charles Butler, a prestigious New York attorney.  He used it as a summer cottage.  It was among the first of the elegant summer home that have come to be known as Berkshire Cottages.  Linwood House remains as it was when Charles Butler lived here but the building now houses the museum's administrative offices and is not open to the public.

Norman Rockwell's Studio

In 1957 Rockwell purchased a home on South Street in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  The property's backyard included a dilapidated carriage barn which he converted into a working studio.  Although he had several studios prior to that time, it was the last one which he referred to as his best studio yet.  As old age set in, he grew concerned about the fate of his favorite work space and in 1976 he drafted a provision of his will which entrusted the museum and its contents to the Norman Rockwell Museum.  The Studio was moved by the Museum to its current location in 1986. 

Scene outside the Admin Building - Wouldn't you love to sit out here and have your lunch.  What a wonderful view.

Rockwell's Studio

The studio replicates how Norman Rockwell's studio appeared in October of 1960 when he was working on completing his painting of "Golden Rule" which was the April 1, 1961 Saturday Evening Post cover.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell