With its proximity to the cultural hub of New York City and its quieter suburban and rural landscapes, Connecticut was fertile ground for artists and writers in the period of Modernist movements between 1913 and 1979. Many of these cultural figures are well known through biographical and critical studies. Creative Places seeks to show how place played a significant role in creative work, and how in turn the artists and writers influenced communities in Connecticut.
Roger Tory Peterson
Illustration, Journalism/Non-Fiction
1908 – 1996
Peterson pioneered the modern nature guide with “Field Guide to the Birds” which combined paintings of birds with descriptions in a portable format. He was also a noted painter of nature and supporter of conservation.
- Biography/Description of Work
Roger Tory Peterson, who lived for decades near the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Lyme, is credited with inventing the modern field guide, enabling even amateurs to easily identify a variety of bird species. An internationally known naturalist, Peterson helped raise awareness about the dangers of chemicals, including DDT, to raptors, including bald eagles and osprey.
- Sources view
- Old Lyme CT Open Space Commission
Zillow real estate listing for 125 Neck Road, accessed 2/27/2014.
Hesselberg, Erik. Hundreds of Works from Roger Tory Peterson to be Auctioned Saturday. 9/04/2012. Hartford Courant. Accessed 2/27/2014.
Dufresne, Beth. A Cozy Nest: a Visit to Old Lyme Estate of Late Bird Artist Roger Tory Peterson. 6/04/2010. Hartford Courant.
Woodside, Christine. Where Bird Guides Were Born, Soon a Refuge? 2/03/2002. New York Times. - Associated Resource(s)