Washington University Acquires Reynold Brown Collection

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Washington University in St. Louis' Dowd Illustration Research Archive has acquired the collection of the late artist Reynold Brown. The collection, donated by Brown's family, contains ephemera, photographs, prints, and original works of art spanning his career as a renowned commercial illustrator.

Why it matters

The Reynold Brown Collection adds significant depth and breadth to the Dowd Archive's existing holdings of commercial illustration, providing researchers and the public access to the work of a highly influential 20th century artist whose illustrations graced movie posters, magazines, and other media.

The details

The Reynold Brown Collection includes a wide range of materials, from sketches and finished illustrations to personal photographs and other ephemera documenting the artist's prolific career. Brown was known for his dynamic, cinematic illustrations that appeared on movie posters for films like "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman."

• The Dowd Illustration Research Archive acquired the Reynold Brown Collection in February 2026.

What’s next

The Dowd Illustration Research Archive plans to catalog and preserve the Reynold Brown Collection, making it available to researchers and the public for study and appreciation of his influential work.