RSW's Diary Comments

December 10, 1928 North Adams Transcript

It was always assumed RSW drew this chalk because
of his relationship with the Tufts. However, the fact
RSW made a scene of Ms. Koch's fireplace, which she
purchased; and another for Harold Carson changes
the context completely. How many of these are there?

Woodward never kept a record of his chalk drawings. We have no idea how many were made or how many survive to this day. However, on this particular occasion we get a rare glimpse into Woodward's relationship to his chalk drawings.

This chalk drawing was inspired by "The Friendly Fireplace" and commissioned by Dorothy Tuft's husband from the 1928 Anna Koch Residence Exhibition. The fireplace chalk was of Ms. Koch's home.

We find it surprising for an artist of Woodward's stature to be commissioned to draw people's fireplaces, especially for the price he charged for his chalk drawings. It is not that such a thing is beneath him. It is more about 1928 being the biggest year of his career thus far and it will steadily rise over the next 8 years. At the same time, it is a clear demonstration of RSW's modesty and his desire for quality art to be accessable to all.

A closer look at the fireplace with sleeping dog.

Drawn in the living room of Dorothy Day Tufts in Greenfield, MA. Dorothy Day Tuft was a friend of RSW and a fellow artist. We will be writing an essay on her. Also note that Dorothy Day Tufts' Northfield Station, MA residence was the site of Across The Pond.

Dorothy was also believed to be a contributor to the "Road to Good Food" cookbook of which RSW drew the cover illustration.

For more on Dorothy and her friendship with RSW, please read our Scrapbook story.

See also, Dorthy Tufts illustrations for the cookbook by Clicking Here.

A picture of the same chest of
draws that is shown in the drawing

The Cookbook "Road to Good Food"