| Harris
'Harry' Rodvogin spent nearly one third of his 100 years
as the resident artist at Lighthouse Inn. He became endeared
in the hearts of the community as a character, for his rare
talent, and sense of humor.
Born in London, England in 1897, his Russian parents relocated
the family to Hartford, Connecticut where he and his sister
were raised. It was there where a childhood friendship with
Bill and Al Ronnick was formed, a friendship which would
later change his life and bring him to New London.
Harry's talent was evident at an early age. A portrait of
his sister, done by him at the age of 13, was later to be
exhibited at the prestigious Lyman-Allyn Museum. He went
on to study art at both the New York and Pennsylvania Art
Leagues.
His early career in painting and photography landed him
employment in New York working for Time Magazine, for which
he did two covers (01/04/32 & 10/24/32) and the New
York Times. During this time he was also doing portraits.
One notable one was of Katherine Hepburn, which in his mind
went un-finished. Near the end of the multi-session sitting,
MGM called to offer her a contract. She left immediately
for Hollywood. The portrait, although not completed to Harry's
satisfaction still hangs in her Old Saybrook home.
Later, after the Ronnick brothers came to Lighthouse Inn
Resort, they visited Manhattan to view a boxing match. After
the fight they paused to admirer a painter working on the
street. It turned out to be their long lost childhood friend
Harry. Avid art aficionados, the Ronnicks tried to lure
Harry to the Inn as a resident artist. It required time,
but Harry did succumb to the charms of the Inn, it's staff
and customers.
His work now hangs in residences and museums from coast
to coast. Here in New London, his works have been exhibited
at the Lyman Allyn Museum, the New London Art League and
gallery and Hygienic Art. His favorite works were never
for sale, later to be donated to a museum and entrusted
to his daughter and others who stood by him his twilight
years.
Today, Harry is part of the fabric of New London, a true
part of the Lighthouse Inn Resort, an inspiration to young
artists, and a talent that many New Londoners are fond to
remember.
Harris
Rodvogin 1897-1998
|
|
