Guide to the James D. Herbert papers, 1934-1960s
Rhode Island School of Design Archives
Fleet Library at RISD
2 College Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-709-5922
Fax: 401-709-5932
email: risdarchives@risd.edu
Published in 2012
Collection Overview
| Title: | James D. Herbert papers |
| Date range: | 1934-1960s |
| Creator: | Herbert, James Drummond, 1896-1970 |
| Extent: | 2 linear feet |
| Abstract: | The collection contains four publication proposals created by James D. Herbert, 1934-1960s. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | Rhode Island School of Design Archives |
| Collection number: | 10.2.6 |
Scope & content
The collection contains four publication proposals created by James D. Herbert, 1934-1960s. The "Butterick Fashion Book," 1934 Fall, contains fashion pattern illustrations for women and children rendered in pencil, ink, and watercolor prepared for the Butterick Company, NY. A portfolio (18x14 inches) contains two versions of "Relationships to Build On" (undated), a proposed time line depicting the history and development of art, 13th-20th century. A second portfolio (18x14 inches) holds 18 boards with sketches for the "Fitness for Freedom and Democracy Campaign," circa 1964, a patriotic themed exercise program featuring Stan Musial that may have been prepared for the YMCA. The final proposal is for a book titled "Design Structure: The Permanent Value in Art" (undated) contained in three notebooks.Access Points
Subject Names Subject Names Subject Organizations Subject Topics Subject Topics OccupationsArrangement
The collection is organized into one series: Publication proposals.
Biographical note
Born in New York City on 1896 December 26, James D. Herbert attended the Horace Mann School and received an A.B. in 1919 from Columbia University's School of Architecture. He served as an ensign in the Naval Reserve during World War One. Encouraged by family members, Herbert studied at the Art Students League (NYC), 1920-1926, the Beaux Arts School (NYC), 1925, and the Academie Julien (Paris) during the summers of 1921 and 1923. He worked as an Advertising and Editorial Art Director, 1920-1940, and taught at the Brearley School (NYC) for three years. Herbert served as the Art Director for the Office of War Information during World War Two.A resident of New York City, he taught at the Pratt Institute during 1946 and then moved to Providence, RI in 1947 to accept a position at Rhode Island School of Design teaching fashion and advertising illustration. He remained at RISD through 1951 June. He taught at Dean Academy (Franklin, MA), 1952-1954, and the Newport Academy of Fine Arts and the Emerson School (Newport, RI) from 1954 until his retirement in 1960. Herbert married Elizabeth G. White in Providence, RI on 1947 November 30.
The Bert Gallery (Providence, RI) described Herbert painting from a "personal and psychological perspective, capturing the 'performances' of individuals. Dancers and theatrical figures were his subject matter." He exhibited his paintings and sculpture widely during his career including the Art Institute of Chicago, National Academy of Design, Salon d'Auton (Paris), Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Providence Art Club, and numerous galleries in New York City. Herbert continued to paint and teach private lessons after retirement until his death in Providence, RI on 1970 March 3.
Access & Use
| Access to the collection: | The use of certain documents and collections may be restricted. Please consult the Archives staff for further details. |
| Use of the materials: | Permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from archival materials must be obtained in writing from the Archives. The researcher assumes full responsibility for use of material and for conformity to all applicable laws, including copyright. |
| Preferred citation: | James D. Herbert papers, Rhode Island School of Design Archives. |
| Contact information: | Rhode Island School of Design Archives Fleet Library at RISD 2 College Street Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 401-709-5922 Fax: 401-709-5932 email: risdarchives@risd.edu |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| Acquisition: | Donated to the Rhode Island School of Design Archives in 2012 by Catherine Bert of the Bert Gallery, Providence, RI. |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by Rachael Juskuv. |
| Encoding: | Finding aid encoded by Rachael Juskuv 2012 September 21 |
| Revisions: |
2013 July 9 |
| Descriptive rules: | Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
| Related material: | The Archives of American Art holds the James D. Herbert papers, 1950-1971, donated by his wife Elizabeth. |
Inventory
Series I: Publication Proposals.
| Box 1, Folder 1 | Design Structure: The Permanent Value in Art |
undated |
| Box 1, Folder 2 | Design Structure: The Permanent Value in Art (continued) |
undated |
| Box 1, Folder 3 | List of Artists and List of Works of Art (Index C: Additional Thoughts) |
undated |
| Box 1, Folder 4 | Butterick Fashion Book |
1934 |
| Portfolio 1 | "Relationships to Build On" |
undated |
| Portfolio 2 | "Fitness for Freedom and Democracy Campaign"
|
1960s |