Guide to the Irene Robinson Drawings
Finding aid created by Neeka Cannon and Russell Michalak
Ella Strong Denison Library
Libraries of The Claremont Colleges
Scripps College
1090 Columbia Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 607-3941
Fax: (909) 607-1548
Email: denison@libraries.claremont.edu
URL: http://libraries.claremont.edu/denison/
© 2007
Claremont University Consortium. All rights reserved.
Guide to the Irene Robinson Drawings
Collection number: D1968.1
Ella Strong Denison Library
Libraries of The Claremont Colleges
Claremont,
California
- Processed by:
- Elizabeth Gallager
- Date Completed:
- 2007 Spring
- Encoded by:
- Kelley Wolfe Bachli
© 2004 Claremont University Consortium. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Irene Robinson drawings
Dates: 1931-1964
Collection number: D1968.1
Creator:
Robinson, Irene B. (Irene Bowen), b. 1891
Collection Size:
4 oversize boxes and 3 oversize flat drawers
Repository:
Claremont Colleges. Library. Ella Strong Denison Library.
Claremont, California 91711
Abstract: The Irene Robinson Collection of Artwork contains artwork relating to
Irene Robinson's professional work. The collection contains illustrations from sixteen texts,
all authored by W.W. Robinson. These texts, published largely between 1931 and 1966, include
both children's picture books and perspectives on Southern California history. The collection
also includes a number of sketches for potential new books and miscellaneous artwork by Irene
Robinson. The collection contains charcoal, pastel, and pencil drawings, oil paintings,
watercolors, and textual materials.
Physical location: Please consult repository.
Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English
Access
Collection open for research.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish must be submitted in writing to Denison Library.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Irene Robinson drawings. Ella Strong Denison Library, Libraries of
The Claremont Colleges.
Acquisition Information
Gift of W.W. and Irene Robinson in 1968.
Processing Information
Processed by Elizabeth Gallagher, Scripps College, Spring 2007.
Biography / Administrative History
Irene Margaret Bowen Robinson (1891 - 1973) was born in Washington state, but she grew up in
Indianapolis, Indiana, and Pasadena, California. In 1915, she attended Drury College in
Springfield, Missouri, and later studied at the University of Chicago, the Broadmoor Art Academy
with John Carlson in Colorado Springs, and in Los Angeles at the Chouinard and Otis Art
Institutes. In the early 1920s, she taught art in Los Angeles and then married W. W. (William
Wilcox) Robinson, a businessman and writer.
Irene Robinson and her husband Will began to publish collaboratively in approximately 1931.
Under the authorship of Will, with Irene as illustrator, their published works include more than
fifteen illustrated works for children and adults. Will was an avid collector of Southern
California ephemera and knowledge, and published books on the subject include The Story of
Pershing Square, The Malibu, and The Island of Santa Catalina. The couple also published many
children's books, including some of the first children's books on the subject of prehistoric
animals (Ancient Animals and The Beasts of the Tar Pits).
Irene and Will Robinson were in their late 70s when they began to search for a home for their
collaborative work. At the suggestion of Lawrence Clark Powell, the majority of Irene's artwork
(valued at approximately $5000 in 1968 by Glen Dawson) found its home at Denison Library,
Scripps College, in 1968.
Irene died in January 1973, less than a year after her husband.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Irene Robinson Collection of Artwork contains artwork relating to Irene Robinson's
professional work. The collection contains illustrations from sixteen texts, all authored by
W.W. Robinson. These texts, published largely between 1931 and 1966, include both children's
picture books and perspectives on Southern California history. The collection also includes a
number of sketches for potential new books and miscellaneous artwork by Irene Robinson. The
collection contains charcoal, pastel, and pencil drawings, oil paintings, watercolors, and
textual materials.
Arrangement
The collection is organized into 16 series:
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the
library's online public access catalog.
Children's literature -- Illustrations
Illustration of books -- 20th century
Picture books for children
At the Seashore
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from both published editions of At the Seashore (1942,
MacMillan; 1964, Ward Ritchie), a story for children of a day at the beach and the sea life
encountered there. It also contains one or two tentative illustrations that were not
published. The illustrations are primarily charcoal and pastel drawings.
Box Box 1 , Folder 1
3 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Seagulls; Sandpipers; Frontispiece
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 2
3 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Tidepool; Driftwood Trio; Dog and Hermit
Crabs
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 3
3 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Sea Lion; Pelicans; Speedboat
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 4
3 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Big Sealion; Picnic; Sailboats
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 5
3 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Girl/baby sealion; Children in Waves;
Campfire
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 6
2 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Closing page sunset; Turtle (possible
illustrations)
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 1
Illustration from "At the Seashore": Seagulls
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 2
3 illustrations from "At the Seashore": Seahorses; Shells and feathers; Firewood
1942, 1964
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
On the Farm
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from On the Farm, a children’s book recounting the story
of animal life on the farm. In addition to the book illustrations, it contains multiple copies
of a study of plough horse, completed in different mediums. These illustrations are primarily
charcoal and pastel drawings, with one oil painting.
Box Box 1 , Folder 7
5 illustrations from "On the Farm": Small chickens; Sow and piglets; Cow and calf;
Sow and 2 piglets; Plough horses
1939
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 3
3 illustrations from "On the Farm": Title page; Hens and chicks; 2 cows
1939
Physical Description: Charcoal, pencils, and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 4
3 illustrations from "On the Farm": Sheep; Horse and foal (2 versions)
1939
Physical Description: Charcoal, pencils, and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 5
3 illustrations from "On the Farm": Barn and cows; Kittens; Horses and plough
1939
Physical Description: Charcoal, pencils, and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 6
3 illustrations from "On the Farm": Horses and plough study; Pigs; Horses and
plough large version
1939
Physical Description: Charcoal, pastels, and oil paint on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 11 , Folder 7
2 illustrations from "On the Farm": Small sketches
1939
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Lions
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains both illustrations and textual material from Lions, a chronicle for
children of lions’ place in human culture. Artwork is primarily charcoal drawings.
Box Box 1 , Folder 8
3 illustrations from "Lions": The king of beasts; Of the god in the sky; Hyenas
1936
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 9
Text of "Lions"
1936
Physical Description: Printed material
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 1
2 illustrations from "Lions": Cover layout; Ancient arena
1936
Physical Description: Ink and charcoal on paper
The Book of Bible Animals
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from both editions of the children’s book The Book of
Bible Animals, including frontispiece material. Artwork is primarily charcoal drawings.
Box Box 1 , Folder 10
3 illustrations from "The Book of Bible Animals": Frontispiece/cover; Doves;
Noah's Ark
1938, 1966
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 1 , Folder 11
2 illustrations from "The Book of Bible Animals": Donkey; Angel/donkey
1938, 1966
Physical Description: Pencil and charcoal on paper
At the Zoo
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations and textual material from At the Zoo, the story of
children’s visit to the zoo. It includes final illustrations and sketches as well as the
complete text. Illustrations include both pastel and charcoal drawings.
Box Box 2 , Folder 1
3 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Bear family (title page); Monkey; Gorilla
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 2
3 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Children on steps; Bear family asleep; Birds
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 3
3 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Swan; Camel; Deer/elk
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 4
3 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Ostrich; Kangaroos; Cheetahs
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 5
2 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Polar Bears; Swimming bear. Text for "At the
Zoo." Sketches for "At the Zoo."
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper; printed material
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 2
3 illustrations from"At the Zoo": Cover layout; Girl and boy; Penguin pool
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 3
3 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Polar bears; Elephants; Cover sketch
1940
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper; Pastels on tissue paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 4
3 illustrations from "At the Zoo": Elephant rides (2 copies); Lion
1940
Physical Description: Pastels on paper
Beasts of the Tar Pits
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from and printed material related to both editions of
Beasts of the Tar Pits, a children’s book on the animals found around the La Brea Tar Pits in
Los Angeles. Textual material includes both complete proofs and advertisements. Illustrations
include ink and charcoal drawings.
Box Box 2 , Folder 6
"Beasts of the Tar Pits": Proof (art and text), Proof (text), Flyer/order form,
Possible illustration
1932, 1949
Physical Description: Printed material, ink and charcoal on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 7
3 illustrations from "Beasts of the Tar Pits": Frontispiece; Teratornis skull;
Imperial mammoth bone
1932, 1949
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 8
3 illustrations from "Beasts of the Tar Pits": Dire wolf skull; Prehistoric camel
skull; Short-faced bear skull
1932, 1949
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 9
3 illustrations from "Beasts of the Tar Pits": Giant ground sloth skull; Bison
skull; Lion skull
1932, 1949
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Animals in the Sun
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from Animals in the Sun, a children’s book on animals of
desert and southern environments. Illustrations include charcoal and pastel drawings.
Box Box 2 , Folder 10
3 illustrations from "Animals in the Sun": Snakes; Gila monster; Horned lizards
1934
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 11
3 illustrations from "Animals in the Sun": Alligator snapping turtle; Turtles;
Galapagos penguins and giant tortoises
1934
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 12
Unused sketches from "Animals in the Sun": Horned lizards; Iguanas
1934
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 5
"Animals in the Sun" cover layout
1934
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Ancient Animals of America
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from both editions of Ancient Animals of America, one of
the first children’s books on prehistoric animals. It includes illustrations of dinosaurs,
thunder beasts, giant sloths, and skeletons. All illustrations are charcoal drawings.
Box Box 2 , Folder 13
3 illustrations from "Ancient Animals": Small dinosaur; Archeopterix; Glyptodont
1934, 1962
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 14
3 illustrations from "Ancient Animals": Mammoth; Footprint; Fossil
1934, 1962
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 2 , Folder 15
3 illustrations from "Ancient Animals": Skeleton; Skeleton; Thunder beast
1934, 1962
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 6
3 illustrations from "Ancient Animals of America": Titanotheres; Sloth; Endpaper
1934, 1962
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 12 , Folder 7
Endpiece, "Ancient Animals of America" (skeletons)
1934, 1962
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
The Story of Pershing Square
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains small illustrations from The Story of Pershing Square, a historical
recount of the growth of this Los Angeles landmark. Illustrations are ink or ink and
watercolor.
Box Box 3 , Folder 1
3 illustrations from "The Story of Pershing Square": Title page (2); Title page
layout
1931
Physical Description: Ink and watercolor on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 2
3 illustrations from "The Story of Pershing Square": "Part of Plan de Ciudad";
Woman; Remi Nadeau's home
1931
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 3
3 illustrations from "The Story of Pershing Square": Taft house; Walking couple;
Carriage
1931
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 4
3 illustrations from "The Story of Pershing Sqaure": Hazard's Pavilion; Car;
Buildings/benches
1931
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 5
3 illustrations from "The Story of Pershing Square": Woman w/ parasol; Carriage;
Woman
1931
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 6
1 illustration from "The Story of Pershing Sqaure": People on benches. 4
illustrations from "Pershing Square" ideas: Feet w/ pigeons; Horse and buggy (2); Bicyclist
1931
Physical Description: Ink and watercolor on paper
The Island of Santa Catalina
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from The Island of Santa Catalina, a historical look at
both human and natural life on the island. It includes a map of the island as well as drawings
of porpoises and other wildlife. Illustrations include ink and watercolor drawings.
Box Box 3 , Folder 7
3 illustrations from "The Island of Santa Catalina": Cover (Bay); Porpoises; Sea
elephant
1941
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 8
3 illustrations from "The Island of Santa Catalina": Bald eagle; Broadbill
swordfish; Wild goat
1941
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 9
3 illustrations from "The Island of Santa Catalina": Pelican; Marine garden; Wild
boar
1941
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 7
Miscellaneous illustrations, including Map of Santa Catalina from "The Island of
Santa Catalina"
1941
Physical Description: Ink, watercolor on paper; Woodcut
The Book of Elephants
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations and cover proofs/layouts for both editions of The Book of
Elephants, a children’s book. It also includes three copies of the dust jacket for the book.
All illustrations are charcoal drawings.
Box Box 3 , Folder 10
3 covers from "The Book of Elephants"
1935, 1962
Physical Description: Printed material
Box Box 3 , Folder 11
3 illustrations from "The Book of Elephants": Circus elephants; Baby elephant
bath; Elephant in crate
1935, 1962
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 3
3 illustrations from "The Book of Elephants": Title layout; Royal elephants (2
copies)
1935, 1962
Physical Description: Printed material; Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 4
Illustrations from "The Book of Elephants": Circus elephants (2 copies)
1935, 1962
Physical Description: Printed material; Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 5
"The Book of Elephants": Ward Ritchie edition layout/proofs
1962
Physical Description: Printed material
Big Boy
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from Big Boy, a children’s book telling the story of a
dog employed in the armed forces. All illustrations are charcoal drawings.
Box Box 3 , Folder 12
3 illustrations from "Big Boy": Big Boy in truck; Big Boy on wall; Big boy with
POW
1944
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 13
2 illustrations from "Big Boy": Big Boy in battle; Big Boy in jungle
1944
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 2
Illustration from "Big Boy": Big Boy on the beach
1944
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Animal Babies
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains illustrations from Animal Babies, a children’s book on animal babies
ranging from kittens to donkey foals. Illustrations are charcoal and pastel drawings.
Box Box 3 , Folder 14
3 illustrations from "Animal Babies": Baby donkey; Baby birds; Baby donkey
(matted)
1947
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on paper
Box Box 3 , Folder 15
Illustration from "Animal Babies": Chicks
1947
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 1
"Animal Babies" illustrations: Basket of kittens
1947
Physical Description: Pastels on paper
The Forest and the People
Series Scope and Content Summary
This folder contains, among other drawings, the design for the title piece of The Forest and
the People, a historical recount of the Angeles Forest and the people involved with it. The
illustration is ink and paint on paper.
Box Box 4 , Folder 1
Title page from "The Forest and the People: The Story of the Angeles National
Forest"; Taj Mahal photograph; Monterey reproduction
1946
Physical Description: Ink and paint on paper, photo
Ranchoes become Cities
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series includes various illustrations from Ranchos Become Cities, an account of the
transformation of large working ranches in the Los Angeles area into the cities that exist
now. Sketches and illustrations are ink on paper and tissue paper.
Box Case 5, Drawer 13 , Folder 6
2 illustrations from "Ranchos Become Cities": Cover page layout; 4 small prints
1939
Physical Description: Ink on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 2
Sketches: "Ranchos Become Cities" and Miscellanenous
1939
Physical Description: Ink and pencil on tissue paper
Miscellaneous Artwork
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains all remaining Robinson artwork. Included in the series are notebooks
with illustrations and ideas for new published works (The Youngest Swan, Animal Oddities). The
series also contains original artwork, including woodcuts of California locations, and price
logs and exhibit information. Mediums range from woodcuts to ink, charcoal, and pastels.
Box Box 3 , Folder 16
"The Youngest Swan" Notebook
undated
Physical Description: Pencil on paper, printed material
Box Box 3 , Folder 17
"Animal Oddities" Notebook
undated
Physical Description: Ink on paper, printed material
Box Box 3 , Folder 18
"Picture Book of Birds and Beasts" Notebook
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper, printed material
Box Box 3 , Folder 19
Silverlake (3 copies)
undated
Physical Description: Woodcut
Box Box 3 , Folder 20
Baldwin Hills (multiple copies)
undated
Physical Description: Woodcut
Box Box 3 , Folder 21
Exhibit Info; Price Log
undated
Physical Description: Printed material
Box Box 4 , Folder
Notebook: Original Drawings
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal, pastels, oil paints on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 3
3 drawings: Baby sketch (2); Rain dance costumes
undated
Physical Description: Pencil on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 4
3 drawings: Pueblo; Tewd rain priest; Geometric design
undated
Physical Description: Pencil on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 5
Miscellaneous drawings
undated
Physical Description: Pencil on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 7
Miscellaneous drawings: Nude among plants
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 8
Miscellaneous drawings: Nudes
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on tissue paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 9
Miscellaneous drawings: Model sketches
undated
Physical Description: Pencil on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 10
Miscellaneous drawings: sketches
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal and pastels on tissue paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 11
Miscellaneous drawings
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal, pencil, and watercolor on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 12
Miscellaneous drawings (Laguna Coast)
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 13
Miscellaneous drawings (Animal Book?): Roadrunner; Camel; Giant shark
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 14
Miscellaneous drawings/transparencies
undated
Physical Description: Ink on paper; ink on transparency
Box Box 4 , Folder 15
Miscellaneous drawings (Laguna)
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal and ink on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 16
Miscellaneous drawings (Jebediah Smith)
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 17
Miscellaneous drawings (Jebediah Smith and landscapes)
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal and watercolor on paper
Box Box 4 , Folder 18
Malibu drawing (multiple reproductions)
undated
Physical Description: Charcoal on paper
Box Bxo 4 , Folder 6
Miscellaneous drawings
undated
Physical Description: Watercolor, ink, and pencil on paper
