John Taylor Arms at HWS

John Taylor Arms (1887–1953)

John Taylor Arms was an American etcher born in Washington, D.C., and one of the most acclaimed printmakers of his era. Although trained as an architect, he left the field in 1919 to pursue etching full-time, ultimately producing more than 400 prints and numerous illustrated books. A World War I Navy veteran and president of the Society of American Etchers, Arms traveled widely in Europe and Mexico, gaining international recognition. In 1937, the Index of Twentieth-Century Artists called him "one of the leading graphic artists of the United States.” His work is held in museums across the country and abroad, and he is regarded as one of the greatest etchers of the first half of the 20th century.

Henry Noyes Arms (1918-1994)

John's son, Henry entered Hobart College in 1938 as a member of the Class of 1942. Hank, as he was known, was in the band and a member of the French and German Clubs, and the International Relations Club. After graduation, he worked as a realtor. It was through Henry, that John formed a relationship with the Colleges.

In 1940 and 1942, John Taylor Arms visited the Colleges and conducted demonstrations of his etching technique. The first was in Chase Hall, the Colleges' arts building, and the second was in Coxe Hall. During both sessions, Arms completed the entire process of creating an etching while explaining the steps to the audience. He then created prints as gifts for the attendees.

Poster announcing Arms' demonstrations. Note how the poster was reused for both sessions in 1940 and 1942.

Chase Hall, the Colleges' arts building, on Pulteney Street in the current location of the library.

Arms demonstrates for two William Smith students.

HWS art professor Norman Kent observes Arms at work.

Arms "smoking the ground" during his etching process.

Arms holding a plate and a freshly produced print.

"Impression from Demonstration. Plate drawn, etched, and printed in two hours at Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y., May 9, 1940. To my friend John Mott, with best wishes - John Taylor Arms, 1940."

Coxe Hall, 1940s.

Arms demonstrates for students in Coxe 8, 1942. His son Henry is standing behind him.

Sketch, Hertford (Hertfordshire). "Impression from Demonstration. Plate drawn, etched, and printed in 2 hours and 12 minutes at Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y., March 9, 1942. To my friend John Mott, with every wish for success and happiness - John Taylor Arms, 1942."

In 1940, Hobart and William Smith awarded John Taylor Arms an honorary degree.

In 1941, Arms presented a collection of several hundred etchings to the Colleges. They have inspired many students over the years, and in the early 1990s they were rehoused in acid-free museum cases, so that they may inspire many more.