Al Willmott was a noted Westport artist. He died in 2006, at 83.
But longtime Westporters remember his pen-and-ink scenes of Westport, created each year as Christmas greetings.
They’re decades old now.
The stores and restaurants change. But we can all recognize downtown, at Christmastime.
Al’s illustrations are timeless.
And timely.
Main Street
Saugatuck River, west bank. National Hall is at left.
Gorham Island
The Ships restaurant is now Tiffany.
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Mr. Willmott’s work beautifully captures Westport back in the 60’s and 70’s. I’m fortunate to have two of his pieces showing winter scenes in Saugatuck. Looking at them evokes many fond memories of home.
When I worked at a small ad agency in downtown Westport, I sometimes had the pleasure of going to Al’s studio to pick up an illustration he had been working on for us. Very friendly and upbeat, he was; had his drawing board in the corner of a large room in his house. I think it might have been the family room, given the seeming chaos which abounded. He seemed very happy working there, amid all that. And every year he sent our office one of his very special Christmas cards. Everybody always looked forward to that.
Yep, that “seeming chaos” was me and my siblings!