Berkshire Museum

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts features three Norman Rockwell paintings in its collection.

In addition to these treasures, other items and displays that may not appeal as much to Rockwell collectors and fans are presented as well.

The fine art gallery of the museum features paintings by 19th century artists Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, Thomas Hill, Thomas Moran, George Inness, and Aaron Draper Shattuck. Paintings by 20th and 21st century artists and an extensive sculpture collection round out the fine art experience.

In addition to the art gallery, be sure to visit the galleries devoted to natural science and ancient civilizations.

Also the aquarium gallery on the lower level is sure to be a favorite with many exotic species of fish, reptiles and amphibians.

There are many other interesting galleries to visit. Plan to spend the whole day.

Shuffleton's Barbershop

Shuffleton's Barbershop is part of the permanent collection. The painting first appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post's April 29, 1950 issue.

Shuffleton's Barbershop Buy From Art.com

Shuffleton's Barbershop is a 46.25 x 43 inches or 117.5 x 109 cm oil on canvas painting.

The painting was a gift to the Museum from Norman Rockwell himself.

Another painting in the collection is Blacksmith's Boy - Heel and Toe (Horseshoe Forging Contest). Blacksmith's Boy - Heel and Toe was originally published in the November 2, 1940 issue of the Saturday Evening Post on pages 10 through 11.

Blacksmith's Boy - Heel and Toe is a 40 x 75 inches or 101 x 190.5 cm oil on canvas. It is one of Rockwell's larger paintings. The caption for the painting in the magazine reads 'I'll never forget that last hour. And never, I imagine, will any of those who watched. Both men were lost to everything but the swing from the forge to the anvil, the heels to be turned, and the toes to be welded.'

The third painting isn the Berkshire collection is The Day I Painted Ike. The Day I Painted Ike was originally published in the October 11, 1952 edition of The Saturday Evening Post on page 25.

The Day I Painted Ike is an 11 x 8 inches or 27 x 20.5 cm oil on canvas. The caption from the magazine reads '"But," he admitted slyly, "he can cook better than Mamie can. Tomato soup, for instance. And if you can give a deft touch to fresh-caught trout - m'm'm!"'

About The Berkshire Museum

Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10AM to 5PM and Sunday 12PM to 5PM. The museum is closed on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Museum is open 10AM to 2PM on December 24 and December 31.

Adult admission is $8, senior (65 and older) admission is $6.50 and child (ages 3 to 18) admission is $5. Admission is free to children under 3 years old.

The Museum also accommodates adult groups of ten or more at a discounted admission of $6 per person. Guided tours of special exhibitions may be available for a total price of $50 for up to 30 people, plus the group admission rate.

Berkshire Museum
39 South Street (Route 7)
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201

Phone (413) 443- 7171

Click here to visit the museum's website. (opens new window to Rockwell painting.)