Jack Lambert Illustrations of Village Life
Robert J. Jack Lambert, Jr., 1928-2014. Cornell professor of freehand drawing. Residence: 103 Hanshaw Rd.
Cornell Professor “Jack” Lambert spent a half-century documenting the world around him throughout Tompkins County and beyond. He studied ornithology, anthropology, drawing and fine arts as an undergraduate in the Cornell class of 1950 and completed a master’s degree in anthropology and zoology at the University of Michigan a year later. After fieldwork in Peru, he returned to Cornell as a drawing instructor and spent 45 years teaching freehand, nature and scientific drawing, and watercolor in the College of Agriculture, primarily the Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture. In the words of former department chair, Professor Emeritus Thomas Weiler, “Jack was a gifted artist, endearing professor and valued member of a department where art and science did not always intermingle comfortably. He generously shared his finely honed techniques, bringing out unrealized talents in his students.” He retired in 1997 but continued teaching as an emeritus professor, including weekly lunchtime art classes for employees. One of those students who continues his legacy, Marcia Eames Sheavly, now a senior lecturer in the horticulture department stated, “Jack inspired generations of artists who now engage in all walks of life, from the life sciences, to communications, marketing, medicine and a host of other disciplines.”
Lambert and his wife, Nina, called Cayuga Heights their home for over 50 years. They had a lovely garden which they frequently showed to curious guests. His artwork was exhibited in numerous galleries, museums, and juried shows throughout his lifetime.
We are enormously grateful to Sarah Lambert, Jack's daughter, for donating almost 300 sketches and paintings of the surroundings and daily life of Cayuga Heights, including those below and the familiar rendering of Marcham Hall that has graced many village publications over the years edited by Elizabeth Mount. This exhibit is made possible, in part, by a Tompkins County Community Celebrations Grant.
Cornell Professor “Jack” Lambert spent a half-century documenting the world around him throughout Tompkins County and beyond. He studied ornithology, anthropology, drawing and fine arts as an undergraduate in the Cornell class of 1950 and completed a master’s degree in anthropology and zoology at the University of Michigan a year later. After fieldwork in Peru, he returned to Cornell as a drawing instructor and spent 45 years teaching freehand, nature and scientific drawing, and watercolor in the College of Agriculture, primarily the Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture. In the words of former department chair, Professor Emeritus Thomas Weiler, “Jack was a gifted artist, endearing professor and valued member of a department where art and science did not always intermingle comfortably. He generously shared his finely honed techniques, bringing out unrealized talents in his students.” He retired in 1997 but continued teaching as an emeritus professor, including weekly lunchtime art classes for employees. One of those students who continues his legacy, Marcia Eames Sheavly, now a senior lecturer in the horticulture department stated, “Jack inspired generations of artists who now engage in all walks of life, from the life sciences, to communications, marketing, medicine and a host of other disciplines.”
Lambert and his wife, Nina, called Cayuga Heights their home for over 50 years. They had a lovely garden which they frequently showed to curious guests. His artwork was exhibited in numerous galleries, museums, and juried shows throughout his lifetime.
We are enormously grateful to Sarah Lambert, Jack's daughter, for donating almost 300 sketches and paintings of the surroundings and daily life of Cayuga Heights, including those below and the familiar rendering of Marcham Hall that has graced many village publications over the years edited by Elizabeth Mount. This exhibit is made possible, in part, by a Tompkins County Community Celebrations Grant.
