Bob Wilvers. Rediscovered Illustrations.
For those of you who are still following me, regarding the story of Bob Wilvers which I posted
initially here and then here, there is yet a further addition and a surprising happy ending.
After a reader of my blog sent me an image he had of Bobs’ work, I was suddenly gripped
with an urge to see if there was indeed more images to be discovered. I was lucky to be able to track down
Bobs’ daughters Roberta and Tracy, and they very kindly sent me some images of the pieces of their
fathers’ work, that they had in their homes. Such beautiful work should be shared with many and I hope
that by blogging here, we can all appreciate what an amazingly skilled artist he was.
Roberta informed me that ” The images that you have on your blog came from the Ford Times
October 1956. It was an article that was written by my mom and illustrated by my dad.
One of the attached images is also from that piece. The other images are from the August 1957 issue.
The Ford Times had quite a few piecesof my dad’s work. They donated one of the them,
‘ Trinity Church ‘ to the Smithsonian in Washington DC. ”
I love the summery feel to his watercolours above and perhaps later images below where Bobs’ style
has developed and flourished into new areas.
My favourites however are still his beautiful landscapes, their rich colours and textures.
Sincere thanks again to both Roberta and Tracy for kindly allowing us access to the images above.
Amazingly, I’ve just managed to find an online copy of the Ford Times magazine October 1956
for sale, which features some of Bobs’ work. So a little piece of Mr Wilvers will live in my home too.
Many thanks to Marilyn for sending this image of two paintings of Bob’s that she saw an antique show
approx 10-12 years ago in the booth of W M Schwind Jr Antiques of Yarmouth, ME. They were marked $3500 each.
Another update (April 2017), just in from Tracy, who’s really enjoying seeing images of her dad’s work appear here. She sent me a link to the painting of Trinity Church at the Smithsonian (but not hanging at present). Another beauty, thanks Tracy.
Thank you so much for posting these Craig!! If I run across any more I will send them to you.
Best
Roberta
It wouldn’t have been possible without yourself and Tracy, so thanks to you, we all get a treat 🙂 thanks again
I was fortunate to see two of Mr Wilvers’ Wall Street watercolors at an antique show
in Washington, D C about 10 years ago. Still kicking myself for not purchasing them
but did take photos and kept them. Loved reading your article! Marilyn C
Hi Marilyn, I’d love to see the pics if you have them as a digital copy that you could send ? Bob’s work is amazing. Thanks for your comment
Will scan and email photos to you upon my return from vacation
on Sept 8.
Attaching a photo of the two watercolors seen at an antique show approx 10-12 years ago in the booth of W M Schwind Jr Antiques of Yarmouth, ME. They were marked $3500 each. Cheers! Marilyn
Hi Marilyn
Thanks for remembering me, I’ve now updated the blog post to include the image you sent. Great to see how bright his colours are in real life.
Much obliged for finding that and sending it over, hope you had a lovely holiday.
Warm regards
Craig
Thanks Marilyn That would be great. Happy Holidays in the meantime. Craig
Beautiful paintings.
Thanks Joe, are you a relation at all ?