Overview
Archives of American Art

Oral history interview with Rockwell Kent

Summary
Collection ID:
AAA.kent69
Creators:
Kent, Rockwell, 1882-1971
Cummings, Paul
Dates:
1969 Feb. 26-27
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1 Sound tape reel
Sound recording: (3 hours 30 min.)
7 in.
40 Pages
Transcript
Repository:
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
An interview of Rockwell Kent conducted 1969 Feb. 26-27, by Paul Cummings, for the Archives of American Art. Kent speaks of his family background; his early interest and talent in art; studying painting with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase; his early studies and work in architecture; Kenneth Hayes Miller as a teacher; experiences which influenced him and inspired him; his travels and explorations; his work in book design and illustration; mural commissions; the American Artists Group; his political life and public affairs. He recalls Merle Armitage and Carl Zigrosser.
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
In addition to being a successful painter, printmaker, illustrator, designer, and commercial artist, Kent pursued careers as a writer, professional lecturer, and dairy farmer. He travelled extensively, and was a political activist who supported the causes of organized labor, civil liberties, civil rights, anti-Fascism, and peace and friendship with the Soviet Union.
Administration
Existence and Location of Copies
Transcript: 35mm microfilm reel 4210 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
These interviews are part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and others.
Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Access
Transcript: Patrons must use microfilm copy.
More Information
Keywords
Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Book design Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Illustration of books Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mural painting and decoration Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Printmakers -- New York (State) -- Interviews Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Illustrators -- New York (State) -- Interviews Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Landscape painters -- New York (State) -- Interviews Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Muralists -- New York (State) -- Interviews Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Painters -- New York (State) -- Interviews Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sound recordings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Interviews Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Armitage, Merle, 1893-1975 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Chase, William Merritt, 1849-1916 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Henri, Robert, 1865-1929 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Miller, Kenneth Hayes, 1876-1952 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Zigrosser, Carl, 1891- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
American Artists Group Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Art Students League (New York, N.Y.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Repository Contact
Archives of American Art
750 9th Street, NW
Victor Building, Suite 2200
Washington, D.C. 20001
https://www.aaa.si.edu/services/questions