As the home of many artists, it’s no surprise that Westport has a long history with The New Yorker magazine .
Between 1925 and 1989, 16 local illustrators designed 761 covers. An amazing 44 of those actually show Westport scenes.
One is particularly relevant today:
Albert Hubbell’s version of the Compo Beach pavilion graced the August 20, 1973 issue — almost exactly 51 years before today.
How much has changed since then — at the beach, and in Westport and the world? How much has not?
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Being the framer for the Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC) I have the honor to frame the works of art by local artists, illustrators, and cartoonists, of whom many I knew personally from working at Max’s Art Supplies for 29 years starting in 1985 to 2014 when Max’s closed. The image above is one that I remember framing for the collection.
Only heard English spoken 🇺🇸
I know, Tom. The beach is so much more vibrant and interesting now. I love hearing so many languages spoken by everyone, who is enjoying the beach we are so lucky to have. Just last weekend I heard (I’m pretty sure) Spanish, Russian, Greek, French, German and Chinese.
muchas gracias.
In 2014 you reported on The Westport Historical Society show featuring local New Yorker cover artists in 2014 – https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/when-the-new-yorker-moved-to-connecticut
I can add a few names. Edna Eicke and Tom Funk were friends of my in-laws and both were New Yorker artists, plus Alice Harvey, mother of my recently departed friend, Janet Aley.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Funk_(illustrator)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_Eicke
https://michaelmaslin.com/wednesday-spill-alice-harveys-first-last-new-yorker-drawings/
One thing I’m almost certain hasn’t changed are the (decrepit) lockers that appear as if they were built before my father and uncle were lifeguards at Compo in the 1950’s
51 years seems like such a long time ago….until I remember how old I was on that date.
At least Jack Backiel was even older.
LOL… Gloria.. 51 years ago I was 26 and had a 28 inch waist. Now I’m 77 and have a – – inch waist.
Right on about the lockers Chris!
My grandfather, Perry Barlow, was also a cartoonist and cover artist at The New Yorker. His beach scene cover of September 13, 1952, was clearly inspired by Compo Beach.