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historical notes
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Merle Armitage, born in 1893 in Mason City, Iowa, was a multifaceted individual whose life was intricately woven with the worlds of art, literature, and cultural promotion. From an early age, Armitage displayed a deep passion for art, which would become a lifelong pursuit. At the tender age of 12, he embarked on his journey as an art collector, using his weekly allowance to acquire drawings, lithographs, and etchings.
Armitage played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Grand Opera Association, serving as its general manager from 1924 to 1930. In the 1920s, he also became acquainted with iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Marc Chagall, forming informal and private relationships with these luminaries. Armitage authored essays on art and curated catalogs for art exhibitions. His notable exhibitions in 1922 and 1929 showcased works by masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, James McNeill Whistler, Anders Zorn, Frank Brangwyn, and George Bellows.
In 1932, Armitage ventured into the realm of literature and publishing, marking the beginning of a prolific career. He not only wrote and designed books but also produced them, with a remarkable portfolio of over 150 books to his name. His influence on the arts also found expression in his work as the president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1950–51, where he helped shape the landscape of graphic design and visual communication. |
