Norman Rockwells Models, S.T. Haggerty
Norman Rockwells Models, S.T. Haggerty
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Norman Rockwell's Models
In and Out of the Studio

Author: S.T. Haggerty

Narrator: Grover Gardner

Unabridged: 10 hr 17 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/15/2023


Synopsis

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 Models: 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 nonfiction 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.

About S.T. Haggerty

S.T. Haggerty is a longtime writer of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. He is known for his intriguing, heartfelt, and lively storytelling. He received his BS from Southern Vermont College, and MA in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. He lives in Pawling, New York.

About Grover Gardner

Read by Grover Gardner, Simon Vance, Derek Perkins, Julie McKay, James Langton, Marisa Calin, Ralph Lister, Suzanne Elise Freeman, James Patrick Cronin, Andrew Eiden, Scott Brick, Emily Sutton-Smith, Keith Szarabajka, and Justine Eyre


Reviews

Goodreads review by Eileen on January 28, 2025

An enjoyable insight into Norman Rockwell’s methods and personality......more

Goodreads review by Annie on February 25, 2023

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......more

Goodreads review by Reader on June 13, 2024

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......more

Goodreads review by Steve on March 11, 2024

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.......more


Quotes

“In this illuminating survey…Haggerty explores the dynamic exchange between artist and sitter and sheds light on the mechanics that created Rockwell’s sentimental, romanticized work.” Publishers Weekly

“This is a wonderful project.” Thomas Rockwell, model for his father Norman Rockwell and coauthor of Norman Rockwell, My Adventures as an Illustrator

“You’ve got to read these stories!” Jarvis Rockwell, model and artist

“Tells riveting stories of Norman Rockwell’s Arlington, Vermont models.” Don Trachte, Rockwell model and administrator for Vermont Norman Rockwell Models’ reunions

“As one who posed for Norman Rockwell, I was delighted to read the wonderful recollections and stories of his models. You will see the true dedication S. T. Haggerty has shown to honor the true, timeless work of Norman Rockwell.” Pauline Adams Grimes, Norman Rockwell model

“Captures intimate details of the artist’s relationships with his models and the environment in which he created his most powerful and beloved images. The first-hand anecdotes from his children, neighbors, friends, and colleagues shed a new light on his career. A must-read for anyone who is a fan of Norman Rockwell and illustration art.” Judy Goffman Cutler, director and co-founder of the National Museum of American Illustration