Sheet music and song lyrics, undated
Scope and Contents
The John Rae Collection was donated to the Research Center by his son, Walter Rae, and granddaughter, Jennifer Rae. These materials primarily concern the artist’s illustration career from approximately 1920 to 1950. Also included in the collection are Walter Rae’s unpublished biography of his father, detailing his art career.
Examples of Rae’s published work are included in the form of print proofs, book jackets, magazine tear sheets, cards, booklets, and advertisements. Specifically, his extensive work in children’s literature is represented in the collection by illustrated dustjackets for the books Lucy Locket the Girl with the Pocket (1928), written by Rae himself; Rob Roy: The Frontier Twins (1937), by Constance Lindsay Skinner; and The Winds of God (1941), by Irving Bacheller. Rae’s illustrations are seen in the baby journal, The Best Baby, published by Borden Eagle Brand (circa 1920), and The Runabouts, a guidebook for child-raising published by House of Health (1923).
The collection also includes photographs of Rae’s commissioned oil portraits, including his portrait of Albert Einstein; Rae’s undated manuscript for his children’s book, Grasshopper Green and the Good Fun Club; handwritten song lyrics and sheet music; and a number of original sketches, including two bound sketchbooks.
Dates
- Creation: undated
Creator
- From the Collection: Rae, John, 1882-1963 (Person)
- From the Collection: Rae, Walter, 1916-1998 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to researchers by appointment only. Please contact the Research Center for information on access and research.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.417 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
General
Printed sheet music, “Harmony Lane,” word and music by John Rae, undated
“May Night,” typewritten draft of song lyrics, signed “John Rae, No. Stonington, Conn.”, undated
“A Gift for the Barmaid at The Wanderers’ Tavern,” typewritten draft of song
Lyrics, signed “John Rae, No. Stonington, Conn.”, undated
“The City Taxidermist or Pa’s Always Right, (A Heart Wrencher.)” typewritten draft of song lyrics, undated
“A-galloping we’ll go,” typewritten draft of song lyrics, signed “John Rae, No. Stonington, Conn.”, undated
“Novelties,” typewritten draft of song lyrics, signed “John Rae, No. Stonington, Conn.”, undated
"Punch and Judy,” typewritten draft of song lyrics, signed “John Rae, No. Stonington, Conn.”, undated
“Fire in the Forest,” typewritten draft of song lyrics, signed “John Rae, No. Stonington, Conn.”, undated
Repository Details
Part of the Walter & Leonore Annenberg Research Center - Archives & Special Collections Repository
1 Hoffman's Mill Road
PO Box 141
Chadds Ford PA 19317 United States
610-388-8310
research@brandywine.org
