A. Elmer Crowell - A Sampling

Published: December 31, 2009

Elmer Crowell (1862-1952), of East Harwich, on Cape Cod, was far and away the most gifted bird carver and decoy maker of his generation. His work is prized by collectors for sheer beauty of form, detailed carving, and masterful, subtle brushwork.

Due to the substantial interest in our 2009 exhibition, A. Elmer Crowell: Master of Decoys & More, we have produced an ongoing exhibit featuring a small, but select sampling of his work. On view are an early pair of Green-winged Teal, recent gifts to Mass Audubon by an anonymous donor, and made by Crowell for one of his early patrons, Harry V. Long. In addition, visitors will see two magnificent decoratives on loan from the collection of Alexander Figge: a Curlew and a Yellowlegs preening a feather. Also on display is an array of the miniature bird carvings for which Crowell became so well known.