Interview with Rockwell Model Mary Whalen Leonard

Mary Whalen Leonard shares what it was like to grow up in the same community as Norman Rockwell.

Mary Whalen Leonard
Mary Whalen Leonard

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Meet Rockwell model Mary Whalen Leonard. Here, Mary shares memories of what it was like to grow up in the same community as Norman Rockwell.


A special thank you to the Norman Rockwell Museum for sharing the video of Mary Whalen Leonard.

Read our three-part web exclusive with model Mary Whalen Leonard:


The Shiner by Norman Rockwell

Rockwell’s Favorite Model

Meet the small-town girl Rockwell called “the best model I ever had.” Read more »

Yawn

Rockwell’s Favorite Model, Part II

Ever wonder how Norman Rockwell achieved some of the poses we see? With close-ups and insight from model Mary Whalen Leonard, we’ll show how a cover was done. Read more »

Saturday evening post cover from March 6, 1954

Rockwell’s Favorite Model, Part III

In one of his most respected paintings, Rockwell captures the poignancy of growing up. However, the model “had no idea what he was talking about.” Read more »

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