Norman Rockwell's Models: In and Out of the Studio

by S.T. Haggerty

This book is the first to tell the stories of Norman Rockwell’s models and their time in his studio. In 1940, America’s favorite illustrator Norman Rockwell, his wife Mary and their three sons moved to the picturesque rural village of West Arlington, Vermont. The artist discovered a treasure trove of models. Norman Rockwell’s In and out of the Studio is the first to detail these models’ lives, friendships with the artist, and experiences in his studio. Dressed in quaint work clothing, the models were dairy farmers, carpenters, country doctors, soldiers, and mechanics. Norman Rockwell’s Models features non-fiction narratives telling the story of these folks during an era when they helped the war effort, farmed with horses, and received home visits from doctors. The book also describes the challenges the models faced in their own lives and how these affected their expressions in the paintings. For example, in several 1945 masterpieces, the jubilance Americans felt after the close of the second word war is revealed in their faces. Upon meeting people, young or old, the artist would say, “Call Me Norman.” Rockwell learned the models’ roles in the community and their personalities, which fostered genuine paintings. He strove, for example, to find real-life soldiers to model as WWII heroes and spirited boys and girls for lively paintings. In the studio, Norman was charming and polite, but painstaking. He demonstrated poses and did whatever was necessary to evoke his trademark expressions, including telling stories of his own life, sometimes laughing or crying. Spending entire summers at his family’s farmhouse near West Arlington, Vermont, the author, S.T. Haggerty, grew up knowing many models, including those who posed for such iconic works as Freedom of Speech, Breaking Home Ties, and Girl at the Mirror. Along with models and their families, the author hayed the scenic fields in the Batten Kill River Valley and swam under the red covered bridge on the Village Green. This experiences give him a unique perspective for telling this story.

Genres: Audiobook

312 pages, Hardcover

Published February 15, 2023

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable insight into Norman Rockwell’s methods and personality

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Norman Rockwell's Models is an interesting collection of stories collected and curated by S.T. Haggerty about the people Norman Rockwell knew and painted from his area. Released 15th Feb 2023 by Rowman & Littlefield, it's 312 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The iconic paintings are familiar to almost everyone. They graced the covers of The Saturday Evening Post and for many Americans, they became synonymous with middle America. This is the story of the men, women, and children of Rockwell's acquaintance who became his models. There aren't many earth shattering revelations here, and no scandals to speak of, but it's full of warm reminiscence and kindly nostalgia. The book is further enhanced by the inclusion of black and white pictures of the paintings, facsimiles of items from the archives of the Rockwell Museum, snippets from interviews, and pictures from the private family collections of the models themselves.

Four stars. All in all a fascinating, often tantalizing, glimpse into the background of a beloved artist and cultural icon. It would make a good selection for public or school library acquisition, as well as home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! BECAUSE: Articulated so well to absorb the scene and characters that are a TRUE STORY. A calming therapy to rushing modern times to soak up Americana where times were tough, but people shined. This is truely a historical document worthy of class curriculum for schools teaching American history. An inspiration to travel to this area. I am grateful to know and listen to the author who knew these characters, and is able to write such a glowing description. I enjoy listening to Mr. S.T. Haggerty (Steve!) talk about these times in this area of our country. The scenes sound to beautiful that I am drawn to the area to visit it someday. I took exceptionally long to read this book I think because I didn't want it to end... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to readers who like to escape for awhile, who like reading real true stories, who desire a calming effect from a nice book that feels like a warm soup on a winter's eve. Thank you Steve! May this treasure inspire more And reach those seeking peace through each other.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some very interesting stories and history. I didn't give it 5 stars because it was repetitive and I found an error on a date.
Each chapter was a different model being interviewed and telling their story. Sometimes it was rambling. Plus, many of the people's stories overlapped, and they were talking about being in the same paintings, so from one chapter to another you'd get the same info sometimes over and over again.
Overall, an interesting book.

[Steve Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book, so of course I love it. I grew up with many Rockwell Models and am friends with the Rockwell family. In Norman Rockwell's Models, I present paintings and tell about their friendships with Norman and about their modeling experiences in his studio. It's a lively book.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun book that shares many proud stories of Rockwell's models...

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun! Very well written chapters about many of NR's Arlington, VT, models. As a whole, the story gives Rockwell fans a nice glimpse into the behind the scenes action for many of his most famous artworks. Each chapter stands on its own as well.