Ed Vebell, The Illustrator
At left, Ed Vebell is dressed in one of his many costumes from the Old West. Below right is a picture of Ed Vebell from his championship fencing (epee) days.
Born in 1921, Edward Vebell has had a fascinating
life. His illustrating career has touched on several historical
moments, and the stories he is able to share are anything but
ordinary. Even as a relatively young artist, he rose to a place
of prominence. In World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and
was assigned as an illustrator for Stars and Stripes,
one of the publications for the U.S. Armed Forces. He was also
one of the court artists for the famous Nuremburg Trials in 1945.
During his military career, he was stationed in Paris and grew to
love the area, staying there even after the war ended to become
the last U.S. soldier to leave France.
Back in the United States, his career escalated. His artistic
abilities were recognized in a wide variety of areas. In addition
to being an artist, he was an expert in the sport of fencing,
winning championships at the Pan-American Games and representing
the United States in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki (he was a
semifinalist). His interest in sports and photography and
illustrating abilities made him a natural choice for illustrating
books on many sports, including tennis, fencing (he also wrote a
book on fencing), baseball, diving, billiards, and other sports.
His talent was also in demand for drawing illustrations for
juvenile books, and he had a long-time relationship with the
magazines Life and Time
as an illustrator.
Vebell also illustrated books for Reader's
Digest, many of which can be obtained at used
bookstores. In addition, he was early recognized as an artist who
drew authentic historical scenes; so it's no surprise that he was
contracted to draw scenes for U.S. postage stamps (15 total), all
with a historical theme.
Mr. Vebell's interest in history and its illustration also led
him to begin collecting authentic costumes years ago from a
variety of periods. When a publisher wants an artist to draw a
cover that shows people in costumes of the Old West or in
military uniforms, it's not uncommon for the artist to contact Mr.
Vebell to rent some of his costumes so that they can pose some
pictures from which to draw their illustrations. Mr. Vebell is a
stickler for authenticity and has become a recognized expert who
can ensure that drawings are historically accurate.
While he no longer does full-time illustrating, Mr. Vebell
nonetheless remains active in illustrating. He has a daughter who
is an illustrator, he spends time helping the younger
illustrators in the field as they try to get established, and he
remains active in the Society of Illustrators. He also maintains
an active connection to the sport of fencing, continuing to teach
fencing to a new generation.