The 1960s was a big time for soft pastel illustrations of demure Victorian ladies with umbrellas, angelic babies and poodles, framed in ornate white frames brushed with gold based on the scientifically accurate sample of my childhood home. Some of those ladies with their parasols still live in my attic because I cling to them like a bilge rat clings to a piece of flotsam. I also have a deep and abiding love for all things poodle, which I suspect might have started with the illustrations of Robert Guzman-Forbes.
Born to Chilean diplomat Ernesto Guzman-Donoso and Viola Peacock Forbes in 1929, he grew up in New Rochelle, NY. After attending the Valley Forge Military Academy and serving four years in the US Air Force, he pursued his artistic inclinations at the Columbia Art Instruction Institute, the University of Virginia (BFA 1955) and the New York City School of Visual Arts.
Guzman-Forbes was an advertising artist at Reader Mail Incorporated, New York City from 1957—1958. The only details I can find for Reader Mail Inc. is that they sold mail order quilt and clothing patterns which could be ordered from advertising features in newspapers.
Guzman-Forbes was an art director Avon Products, Inc. from 1958—1961 and an art designer for the Norcross Card Company from 1963—1964. He built a freelance career as a designer and illustrator, which is what interests me most. Later, in the 1980s, he was a contributing artist to the Danbury Mint.
Animal illustrations are what Guzman-Forbes is best known for. He created art for all kinds of decorative products. Here’s a round up of some of his work, all available for sale online.
Trying to find information on Robert Guzman-Forbes was a rabbit hole adventure. Starting from his obituary, there were a few tiny internet threads to pull on, some of which had a nugget of information and others that had no payoff at the end. If life were fair, he would have his own Wikipedia page.
