MS 221 - Robert Farrington Elwell Collection, 1890-1962
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Brief Description: For current finding guide please visit: https://mccrackenatcenterofthewest.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/263
Held at:
McCracken Research Library
720 Sheridan Ave.
Cody, WY 82414 3428
Phone: 307-578-4138
Email: hmrl [at] centerofthewest.org
Created by: Elwell, Robert Farrington
Volume: 2.0 Boxes
Acquired: 06/01/2001. Al and Ann Simpson, donation of Photocopies of Elwell sketches to Collection File, and photographs of Deadwood Stage into collection, 2016.
Biographical Note for Elwell, Robert Farrington :

Robert Farrington Elwell (1874-1962) became well known as a western illustrator, painter and sculptor although he was professionally trained as an engineer.  Elwell met William F. Cody in the late 1880s after a Wild West performance.  Cody invited Elwell to visit his ranches near Cody, Wyoming, to rest, relax, and work on his art.  This led to his becoming a frequent and welcome guest at Cody’s ranch and eventually working for Cody as an engineer, ranch manager, and as an artist for some of Cody’s Wild West publicity.  Elwell managed successful careers working as both engineer and artist during his life.

"Thereafter, Elwell lived for a time in Wickenburg, [Arizona], where many of his western illustrations for Little, Brown, & Company were painted. His last years were spent in Phoenix where he continued to turn out competent work." -- Doris Ostrander Dawdy, Artists of the American West : a Biographical Dictionary, Sage Books, c1974, v. 1, p. 81.

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Languages of Materials
English [eng]
Acquisition Notes: Elwell estate  Purchase
PreferredCitation: Robert Farrington Elwell Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West.