Featured Artwork: The Friendly Fireplace

RSW DIARY COMMENTS:

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, not to mention the names of buyers which is extremely rare.

As it is the inspiration, we imagine this drawing
to be similar to that of The Tufts Living Room. above.

Exhibited, along with what we believe is at least 10 chalk drawings, at the Greenfield residence of Anna Koch. It was one of seven chalks sold.

Woodward attended this exhibit and answered questions about his work and art in general. He even agreed to draw two more fireplaces of attendees who had admired this particular drawing of Ms. Koch's fireplace. We find it surprising for an artistt 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.

December 10, 1928 North Adams Transcript

November 26, 1928 North Adams Transcript