Skip to main content

Tomie dePaola Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 1999-0033

Scope and Content

The Tomie dePaola Collection contains Tomie's artwork, sketch books, drafts, studies and paintings from the beginning of his career through his college years and his long career as an author and illustrator. The Collection also contains a significant number of marketing items based on his artwork as well as many different editions from each book he wrote or illustrated, including foreign editions. Some of the languages represented are Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, French Canadian, German, Afrikaans, and even Zulu. Original illustrations from books, as well as paintings and other art work spanning from his childhood years are included. The marketing items and realia consists of towels, porcelain jewelry containers, music boxes, paper goods (wrapping paper, cups & plates), quilts from schools, and a large selection of Christmas tree ornaments designed by Tomie.

Dates

  • undated, 1949-2013

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

Biography

Tomie (“Thomas Anthony”) dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut in 1934 to Joseph and Florence dePaola. He has two sisters and one brother. His Italian and Irish family background is evident in many of his books. From an early age, Tomie and his parents knew he would be an artist. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York where he studied Art. His Master of Fine Arts degree was received from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. He has also been awarded eight honorary Doctorate degrees from separate Universities and Colleges, including the University of Connecticut in 1999. Tomie's career as a professional artist and designer, former teacher of art, children's author and illustrator is expansive. He has designed greeting cards, posters, magazine and catalogue covers, record album covers, and theater costumes and sets. He has illustrated nearly two hundred and fifty books, and written over one hundred. Tomie has won numerous awards, including the prestigious American Library Association's Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona (1976), the University of Minnesota's Kerlan Award (1981), the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal (1983), and the Smithsonian Institution's Smithson Medal (1990). Tomie's books have been published world-wide in almost twenty five different languages and he has sold over fifteen million copies in print. Many of his books are largely autobiographical such as Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs, Tom, and The Art Lesson. Tomie currently resides in New Hampshire.

Extent

70 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Tomie dePaola Collection contains Tomie's artwork, sketch books, drafts, studies and paintings from the beginning of his career through his college years and his long career as an author and illustrator. The Collection also contains a significant number of marketing items based on his artwork.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Tomie dePaola in 1999 and has been augmented with several additions.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to children's literature and associated artwork. Some Cyndy Szekeres illustrations are included in one of Tomie dePaola's sketch books from his years studying at Pratt. Anita Lobel, as well as possibly others, may have also used this same sketch book ( (Series 3, Box 13, Folder #323). For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.

Bibliography

Tomie dePaola is a prolific author and illustrator with over 200 books to his credit. For a complete listing, please go to his website at http://tomie.com/books/bibliography.html.
Title
Tomie dePaola Papers
Status
Under Revision
Author
Archives & Special Collections staff
Date
1999
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository

Contact:
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524