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Hello, my name is Jim McNamara and I am a
collector of childrens’ series books. I began collecting in 1977, when my mother introduced me to “Nancy Drew” and “The Hardy Boys” via the television show. My mom knew that the show was based onthe Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series books, so she picked up a book every now and then, sometimes Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys, and sometimes a different book similar to those. By the time I was 18, I had begun to try to track downa few of the illustrators, whose artwork I appreciated. It was tough in the beginning, before the internet, but I managed to track down a few of the illustrators, including Ruth Sanderson, Bob Berran, Paul Bachem, Tricia Zimic, and George Gaadt. The artists were surprised that anyone would be interested in finding them or learning more about the artwork they had produced. I began to “interview” them and learn about their methods, motivation, history, and future artworks, sharing the information with other collectors who were also interested in learning about the artists. Many of the artists sold me artwork at a reasonable price, or even gifted them to me for being so |
appreciative and determined. Now, with the internet and all the information it holds, it has become less difficult
to track down the artists, even those overseas. The medium has changed drastically,
now much of it is being digitally-rendered artwork as opposed to “oils on canvas”.
It hasn’t stopped me from contacting the artists, though, and learning more
about them and their processes. My collection, which contains over 70 paintings,
4,000 books, and numerous other memorabilia, is ever-expanding. I am sharing my collection
through libraries, galleries, and my website to encourage others to try to learn more
about their favorite artists and pursuing their hobbies.
All images on this site are part of my collection
Most images are clickable to see full-sized images
to track down the artists, even those overseas. The medium has changed drastically,
now much of it is being digitally-rendered artwork as opposed to “oils on canvas”.
It hasn’t stopped me from contacting the artists, though, and learning more
about them and their processes. My collection, which contains over 70 paintings,
4,000 books, and numerous other memorabilia, is ever-expanding. I am sharing my collection
through libraries, galleries, and my website to encourage others to try to learn more
about their favorite artists and pursuing their hobbies.
All images on this site are part of my collection
Most images are clickable to see full-sized images
****Check back regularly for updates to the site as I am trying to add to it everyday!****
Updates archive every Monday, for previous updates click here
10/12/2013: Website Launched
08/20/2016: Added Nancy Drew Files #76-85
09/03/2016: Added Nancy Drew Files #86-95
