Ernest Ralph Norling drawings, 1927-1954
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Artist
- Norling, Ernest R. (Ernest Ralph), 1892-
- Title
- Ernest Ralph Norling drawings
- Dates
- 1927-1954 (inclusive)19271954
- Quantity
- 5 boxes, (87 illustrations ; sizes vary; 5 boxes and 1 folder)
- Collection Number
- PH0553
- Summary
- Original drawings, paintings, illustration mock-ups, and printed proofs by the artist Ernest Ralph Norling. Includes book designs, mural designs, and miscellaneous illustrations.
- Repository
- University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Access to original illustrations is restricted. The majority of the collection is available on the digital collections site. Contact Special Collections for further information.
- Languages
- Collection materials are in English.
Biographical Note
Ernest Norling (1892-1974) was born in Pasco, WA on September 26, 1892. In 1895 his family moved to Ellensburg, Washington. Norling attended Whitman College where he majored in math and physics. After college he worked as a draftsman for the city engineer's office before moving to Chicago. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and then moved to Seattle, where he began teaching art at the Cornish School. While teaching, Norling wrote Perspectives Made Easy (1939), a book on the use of perspective in art. He was one of fifty artists in Washington to take part in the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) during the Great Depression, creating documentary paintings of the Civilian Conservation Corps at work. Norling worked as an artist for the Seattle Times and as the art director for the Boeing Aircraft Company Preliminary Design Unit. He worked as an illustrator for a number of children's books, including the Kenneth Gilbert books Bird Dog Bargain (1947), Triple Threat Patrol (1953), and Cruise of the Dipsy Do (1954). Norling and his wife, Josephine Stearns, also worked together on a series of "Pogo" books that featured a dog inspired by their daughter's pet. The novels explored underrepresented topics in children's literature such as lumberjacking and train mechanics. Over 12 years, Norling and his wife produced 20 childrens books set in the Pacific Northwest, including Pogo's Train Ride which is part of this collection. He also created commissioned works for the University of Washington, which included a mural for the student union building, now known as the HUB, in 1949. The mural depicted individuals and events from the University of Washington's history from 1861 to 1925. Ernest Norling died in Seattle, Washington in March 1974 at the age of 81.
Content Description
Original drawings, paintings, illustration mock-ups, and printed proofs by the artist Ernest Ralph Norling. Includes book designs, mural designs, and miscellaneous illustrations.
Use of the Collection
Alternative Forms Available
View the digitial version of the collection
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative Information
Processing Note
Processed by Amy Oates, 2014; Gracie Loesser, 2015. Processing completed 2015.
Separated Materials
Detailed Description of the Collection
Book Illustrations
Pogo's Train Ride , 1944
John and his dog Pogo go on a train ride and learn about the mechanics of trains.
Original Cover Illustrations
- Description: Color sketch of dust jacket illustration featuring outline of a dog and a boy, who is sitting on a fence waving to a train
Sketch contains notes and corrections.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 10, Item 1 - Description: Dust jacket with illustration of a dog and a boy, who is sitting on a fence waving to a trainDates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 10, Item 2
- Description: Sketch of text for title page
Sketch contains corrections on illustration and tracing paper.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 10, Item 3 - Description: Sketch of dog dreaming of a train ride
This was printed on the title page of the published book. Sketch contains notes and corrections.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 1, Item 4 - Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 1, Item 5
Original Book Illustrations
- Description: Dog and a boy, who is sitting on a fence waving to a train
Illustration on dust jacket and page 3 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 6 - Description: Boy sitting on a fence talking to a man in front of a train roundhouse
Illustration on page 5 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 7 - Description: Dog stopping in front of a group of people inside of a train roundhouse
Illustration on page 7 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 8 - Description: Boy and dog watching a mechanic working on a train
Illustration on page 9 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 9 - Description: Boy, dog, and mechanic watching train arrive in roundhouse
Illustration on page 11 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 10 - Description: Boy watching yardman fill oil tank on train car while dog chases birds
Illustration on page 13 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 11 - Description: Boy watching man fill train car with ice blocks
Illustration on page 15 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 12 - Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 13
- Description: Boy and dog looking through train window at a man walking on top of the train
Illustration on page 19 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 14 - Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 15
- Description: Boy and dog watching cattle unload from a train car
Illustration on page 23 in published book. Written on front: page 25.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 16 - Description: Boy looking at the axle box next to a yardman and dog
Illustration on page 25 in published book. Written on front: page 23.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 17 - Description: Boy talking with the engineer in the train cab
Illustration on page 29 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 18 - Description: Boy leaning out the window of the cab as the train approaches a tunnel
Illustration on page 31 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 19 - Description: Two deer watching a dog walk along train tracks
Illustration on page 33 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 20 - Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 21
- Description: Boy and man looking from the top of a train car at a dog running on the train tracks in the background
Illustration on page 37 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 22 - Description: Boy, dog, and three men getting ready to eat inside the train
Illustration on page 39 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 23 - Description: Boy getting ready for bed in the sleeper car of the train
Illustration on page 41 in published book.
Dates: circa 1942-1944Container: Box PH0553 Box 1, Item 24
Bird Dog Bargain , 1947
A young boy named Joey and his friend Bill turn a gun-shy puppy into a trained hunting dog.
Original Cover Illustrations
- Description: Dust jacket mock-up of a boy and dog hunting
Mock-up contains notes and corrections on tracing paper and illustration board.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 2, Item 25 - Description: Title page sketch of a dog sitting at a food bowl
Written on front: This one only. Spot.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 1, Item 26
Original Book Illustrations
- Description: Boy, dog, and cow encountering a bear at night
Illustration on page 56 in published book. Written on verso: p 43-44.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 3, Item 27 - Description: Boy hunting a bird in a field
Illustration on page 77 in published book. Notes written on front and back.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 4, Item 28 - Description: Dog being pulled back on a leash by a man and a boy
Illustration on page 92 in published book. Notes written on front and back. Written on verso: p. 71.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 5, Item 29 - Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 6, Item 30
- Description: Boy and a dog encounter a cougar
Illustration on page 137 in published book. Written on verso: p. 104.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 7, Item 31 - Description: Two dogs standing in pointer position in a field
Illustration on page 189 in published book. Written on verso: p. 146.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 8, Item 32 - Description: Dog biting its hind leg
Illustration on page 196 in published book. Note on front: Do not make this one.
Dates: circa 1945-1947Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 2, Item 33
Triple-Threat Patrol , 1953
Teenagers Chuck and Doc learn about logging while investigating a timber theft after they become stranded on an island in the Puget Sound.
Original Cover Illustrations
- Description: Dust jacket mock-up of boat and log in the water
Illustrations contain notes and corrections. Painting was originally glued to paper, but has been separated and placed in archival sleeve.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 9, Item 34a-b
Original Book Illustrations
- Description: Two boys rowing a boat in rough seas
Illustration on page 9 in published book. Written on front: Page 5 manuscript.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 3, Item 35 - Description: Men discover a wolf leaning against a pile of lumber
Illustration on page 47 in published book. Written on front: Page 33 manuscript.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 4, Item 36 - Description: Man holding a large saw watching another man use a wedge to cut down a tree
Illustration on page 93 in published book. Written on front: Page 64 manuscript.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 5, Item 37 - Description: Four men fighting in rough seas as their boats collide
Illustration on page 157 in published book. Written on front: Page 109 manuscript.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 6, Item 38 - Description: Group of men talking in front of a log chute next to the water
Illustration on page 177 in published book. Written on front: Page 121 manuscript.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 7, Item 39 - Description: Man behind a large log aiming to throw a stone at two approaching boys
Illustration on page 203 in published book. Written on front: Page 140 manuscript.
Dates: circa 1951-1953Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 8, Item 40
Cruise of the Dipsy Do , 1954
Teenager Chip Norton and his friend Ben try to earn money by sailing a boat called the Dipsy Do along the Washington salmon banks.
Original Cover Illustrations
- Description: Dust jacket mock-up of men on a boat in rough seas looking at a fish
Mock-up contains edits on acetate sheets and board.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 10, Item 41
Original Book Illustrations
- Description: Working illustration of group of men talking at the docks
Illustration on page 43 in published book. Contains corrections. Note written on front: p 33.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 9, Item 42 - Description: Final illustration of group of men talking at the docks
Illustration on page 43 in published book.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 10, Item 43 - Description: Three men watching while a man grabs a fish out of a fish box on a boat
Illustration on page 75 in published book. Note written on front: p. 55.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 11, Item 44 - Description: Man steering a boat in rough seas with a giant fish in the background
Illustration on page 113 in published book.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 12, Item 45 - Description: Man steering a boat while another man tries to pull in a fish from the side of the boat
Illustration on page 137 in published book.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 13, Item 46 - Description: Two men in a rowboat looking at a ship in the background
Illustration on page 165 in published book.
Dates: circa 1952-1954Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 14, Item 47
Mural Designs
World Travels, Possible Mural Designs
- Description: Collage of objects and people from around the world, including train, wagons, and a churchDates: circa 1920s-1970sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 11, Item 48
- Description: Collage of people and objects from around the world, including camels, coal mining, and a large gatewayDates: circa 1920s-1970sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 12, Item 49
- Description: Collage of people and objects from around the world, including banana farming, prop airplane, and a lighthouseDates: circa 1920s-1970sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 4, Folder 13, Item 50
Private Residence Mural Designs
- Description: Sketch for round ceiling decoration featuring men and women in 19th century clothing walking in a parkDates: circa 1920s-1970sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 2, Item 51
- Description: Collage of figures engaging in recreational activities
Written on board: Sketch for recreation room mural Kenneth Baker residence.
Dates: circa 1920s-1970sContainer: Mapcase M266, Item 52a-b
Possible Civilian Conservation Corps. Mural Design
- Description: Sketch of man dancing while group of men and children watch
Sketch contains notes with names for each figure. This sketch may have been for a mural, perhaps depicting recreational activities in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Dates: circa 1930s-1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 3, Folder 15, Item 53
Civilian Conservation Corps pencil sketches
- Description: Pointing Drills - The Blacksmith Shop [Man preparing machine in smithy]
CCC Camp F20, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: March 20, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 76 - Description: Army Headquarters [Wooden building and walkway on lakeside]
CCC Camp F20, Company 947, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: March 21, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 77 - Description: Kitchen [Cooks working in camp kitchen]
CCC camp F20.
Dates: March 21, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 78 - Description: Supply Truck (U.S. Forestry) at Kitchen
CCC camp F20, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: March 21, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 79 - Description: Supply Truck Returning from Subcamp
CCC Camp F20, 947 Company, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: April 2, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 80 - Description: Barracks - Subcamp - "Staircase"
CCC F20 camp, 947 Company, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: April 3, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 81 - Description: Checking Out [Men returning supplies to Army Supply Room]
CCC Camp F20, 947 Company, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: April 5, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 82 - Description: Payday [Men congregated around headquarters building]
CCC Camp F20, 947 Company, Lake Cushman.
Dates: April 5, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 83 - Description: Recreation Hall - "Vodvil Nite" "Dance of Spring"[Men watching performers dancing on stage]
CCC Camp F20, 947 Company, Lake Cushman, Washington.
Dates: probably March or April 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 84 - Description: Horseshoes - Doctor vs Teacher
CCC 1233 Company, Orcas Island, Washington.
Dates: April 17, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 85 - Description: Butch and the Deer [Man lying next to deer in field]
CCC 1233 Company, Orcas Island, Washington.
Dates: April 19, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 86 - Description: Road Construction - Falling Timber to Widen Road
CCC 1233 Company, Orcas Island, Washington.
Dates: April 21, 1934Container: Box PH0553 Box 3, Item 87
University of Washington
- Description: Sketch of Dr. Gowen reading a book
Caption: Dr. Gowen U. of W. Sketched from life 1927.
This is probably a sketch of Dr. Herbert H. Gowen, who was a professor of Oriental Languages and Literature at the University of Washington from 1909 to 1945. Dr. Gowen established the "Department of Oriental Studies," which was a precusor to the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies.
Dates: 1927Container: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 1, Item 54 - Description: Campus building with tree leaves in foreground
Written on verso: University of Washington campus.
Dates: undatedContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 2, Item 55 Husky Union Building Mural Designs
Other Descriptive Information
The designs included in this collection were not incorporated into the final Husky Union Building mural.
- Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 3, Item 56
- Description: Two men on bicycles tipping their hats to a woman carrying books
Painting contains notes and corrections in pencil.
Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 4, Item 57 - Description: Two men in a car waving to a woman carrying books
Painting contains notes and corrections in pencil.
Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 5, Item 58 - Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 6, Item 59
- Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 7, Item 60
- Description: Two men in a horse-drawn carriage tipping their hats to a woman holding books
Written on front: sketch as is. Written on verso: Sketches for murals in HUB.
Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 8, Item 61 - Dates: circa 1940sContainer: Box PH0553 Box 5, Folder 9, Item 62
Airplane Sketches
These sketches may have been completed for Boeing during Norling's time working as an art director in their preliminary design unit.
- Dates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 3, Item 63
- Description: Airplanes on the tarmacDates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 4, Item 64
- Dates: August 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 5, Item 65
- Dates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 6, Item 66
- Dates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 7, Item 67
- Description: Men working on the cockpit of an airplaneDates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 8, Item 68
- Description: Man working in a construction shopDates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 9, Item 69
- Description: Man working on the propeller of an airplaneDates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 10, Item 70
- Description: Men working on the wing of an airplaneDates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 11, Item 71
- Dates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 12, Item 72
- Dates: circa 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 13, Item 73
- Dates: 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 14, Item 74
- Description: Wheel of an airplane on the tarmac with a United States military bomber airplane in the backgroundDates: August 1942Container: Box PH0553 Box 2, Folder 15, Item 75
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Book cover art--Specimens
- Mural painting and decoration--Design
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
Other Creators
Personal Names
- Norling, Ernest R. (Ernest Ralph), 1892- --Drawings
Corporate Names
- University of Washington--In Art
