Episode —  № 163

February 1, 2021

A Prolific Chronicler of the American Past: Discussing the Legacy of Eric Sloane with Andrew Rowand

For lovers of early American architecture, folkways, crafts and tools, there are few who compare to Eric Sloane. Sloane was a prolific chronicler of the American past – and had a reverence for the way we were that was at moments charming, beautiful and absurd all at once. Today, the legacy of this collector and accomplished artist is being cared for and reinterpreted by the State of Connecticut at the Eric Sloane Museum.

I first fell in love with Eric Sloane’s books and sketches several years ago when I picked up a used copy of “A Reverence for Wood.” From there on I was hooked and have always held a special place in my heart for his nostalgic view of the past, however flawed it might be, coupled with his amazing sketches of the way we once lived. I’m personally excited to dig in and learn more about Sloane, the collector, historian and artist with our guest, Andrew Rowand who leads the Sloane Museum in Connecticut.

Tune in now to this week’s episode of PreserveCast, as we discuss the legacy and prolific chronicles of Eric Sloane with Andrew Rowand.

Guest:
Andrew Rowand

Show Notes

Originally from West Virginia, where he received his B.A. in Social Studies Education from Shepherd University, Andrew comes to the Eric Sloane Museum with experience working at public history sites like Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, South Mountain State Battlefield for the Maryland Park Service, and Henricus Historical Park managing their 17th century Virginia tobacco farm. In his spare time, Andrew is an avid agriculturalist and supporter of historical trades and may be found climbing the lines, working aboard tall ships. He and his wife are thrilled to be living in New England in a small timber-framed farmhouse with their two pups and cat. Andrew is honored to be a steward of one of Connecticut’s valuable cultural resources.

A mural by Eric Sloane in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Photo Credit: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)

Artist Eric Sloane (background) stands on a scissor lift during the installation of "Weather Mural" (1976), an acrylic on canvas mural painting installed across three walls of Gallery 105 (General Aviation) of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum circa 1975-1976. Photo Credit: NASM

Artist Eric Sloane applies masking tape along the top of the band at the lower edge of "Earth Flight Environment" in Washington, D.C. circa early 1976. This view shows the final version of the band, featuring a line of meteorological symbols. Photo Credit: NASM

Artist Eric Sloane stands on scaffolding, at work painting clouds near the second-floor balcony rail during installation of the vertical portion of "Earth Flight Environment" (1976) in Washington, D.C. circa late 1975 to early 1976. Photo Credit: NASM

A view of the artist's work bench, showing paints, palettes, and other painting supplies, during installation of "Earth Flight Environment" by Eric Sloane (1976). The L-shaped mural painting was on the west wall of Gallery 108 (South Lobby) of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. circa 1975-1976. Photo credit: NASM

Eric Sloane's signature on the painted mural, "Earth Flight Environment" in the Boenig Milestones of Flight Hall. Image Credit: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Painting by Eric Sloane depicting Landscape with Covered Bridge. Photo Credit: Questroyal Fine Art

Painting by Eric Sloane depicting New England Summer. Photo Credit: Questroyal Fine Art