John O’Hara Cosgrave II (1908-1968) was
an artist and a writer. Although best known for his illustrations of sea
vessels, Cosgrave’s works are not restricted to the limits of water. The
collection includes illustrations, manuscripts, correspondences, acclamations,
book dummies and proofs.
Repository:
University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University
Archives
Funding for encoding this finding
aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
Biographical Note
John O’Hara Cosgrave II (October 10, 1908-May 11, 1968) was born in
San Francisco. He attended the University of California, and studied for two
years in Paris in 1930. Upon the expiration of his term in the army (drafted in
1943), Cosgrave became a graphics designer for the United Nations’ founding.
Throughout his life, he has always shown a very strong love for the sea, and
all things connected; this can be widely seen across his works. Cosgrave died
in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Content Description
The collection contains a wide variety of the artist’s works. The
contents show an overall process of the work that goes into creating an
illustrated book. The sketchbooks, book drafts, and original illustrations are
the highlight of this collection.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access :
Collection is open to the public.
Collection must be used in Special Collections & University Archives
Reading Room.
Restrictions on Use :
Property rights reside with Special Collections & University
Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators
of the documents or their heirs. All requests for permission to publish or
quote from manuscripts must be submitted to the Manuscripts Librarian in
Special Collections & University Archives. The reader must also obtain
permission of the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation :
[Identification of item], John O’Hara Cosgrave Papers, Ax 718, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Or.
Administrative Information
Arrangement :
Collection is organized into the following series:
Books and Illustrations
Correspondences, Achievements, and Miscellaneous Papers
Books and Illustrations II
Correspondences, Achievements, and Miscellaneous Papers II
Notes and Illustrations
Books and Illustrations III
Correspondences, Achievements, and Miscellaneous Papers III
Books and Illustrations IV
Correspondences, Achievements, and Miscellaneous Papers IV
Books and Illustrations IV
Processing Note :
Collection processed by processing staff.
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
Series: Books and Illustrations
Container(s)
Description
Dates
Box
Folder
2
1
Photographs of
paintings
1936
2
2
Miscellaneous unidentified
illustrations
undated
2
3
Magazine illustrations. Covers
and articles
1937-1967
2
4
Matted magazine
illustrations
1934
2
5
Annual reports
1947-1950
2
6
Serigraph prints
undated
2
7
American Work Boats.
Illustrations
1934
2
8
Clipper Ship.
Illustrations
undated
3
1
America Sails the Seas.
Illustrations. Ink on illustration board
undated
3
2
Greeting cards
undated
3
3
Greeting cards. Originals
1959
3
4
Sketchbooks. Four
1945-1959
3
5
Fathers of the Industry.
1956
4
1
Clipper Ship.Illustrations. Proof,
dummy: watercolor and ink
1956
4
2
Clipper Ship. Sample binding,
press proof
1956
4
3
Let the Best Boat Win. Tracings,
jacket illustrations, binding stamp, silhouette
undated
4
4
Sketchbooks. Four
1951
5
1
Research materials. Blueprints,
prints, photographs
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online
catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or
places should search the catalog using these headings.
Personal Names :
Cosgrave, John O'Hara, 1908-1968
Cosgrave, John O'Hara, 1908-1968--Correspondence
Cosgrave, John O'Hara, 1908-1968--Interviews
Cosgrave, Mary Silva--Correspondence
Subject Terms :
Artists--United States
Authors, American--20th century
Children's literature, American--Authorship
Christmas cards--Specimens
Illustration of books--United States--20th century
