William Rimmer: Head of a Private Art School, Boston

"The Call to Arms" by William Rimmer

"The success of Dr. William Rimmer's lectures at the Lowell Institute had given rise to the hope that he might be permanently retained there, and a strong effort was made to secure the establishment of a school of art as a branch of the institution. This project failing, the male artists who had attended his lectures showed their grateful appreciation of his labors by the founding of a private art school, at the head of which he was placed. Col. E.C. Cabot, the architect, raised the sum of two thousand dollars with which to equip a schoolroom, and the following circular was issued on February 10, 1864.

'It is proposed to establish a school of drawing and modelling for artists and amateurs of both sexes, under the direction of Dr. William Rimmer.

There is now no place in New England where these studies can be pursued, and the talent which undoubtedly exists in the community either lies undeveloped, or exhibits a narrow and imperfect growth under imperfect discipline. Those persons who cannot avail themselves of foreign teaching are absolutely without the opportunities which experience has shown to be indispensable to a healthy school of art. To establish such a school, abundant facilities for study, both from life and from the antique, an organized system of classes and lectures, and eminent knowledge and skill on the part of the instructor, are essential requisites... This enterprise would not now be undertaken, were it not for the favorable opportunity which Dr. Rimmer's singular qualifications afford. It is believed by persons most competent to judge, that a better professor of anatomy in its relations to art does not exist. 

It is desirable, in order to facilitate the organization of the school, that persons wishing to join it should signify their intention to do so as soon as possible. This may be done, or further information obtained, by addressing a letter to Dr. Rimmer, at No. 54 Studio Building, Tremont Street, or by personal application to him there, between the hours of eleven and twelve any Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday.'

The school opened with thirty-nine pupils, and continued with varying fortunes until the spring of 1866, just two years later, when Dr. Rimmer moved to New York. It was his custom to give lectures on Saturday evening to those who were unable to pay the regular fees. He also taught many private pupils, his terms being a dollar an hour, and upon several occasions he lectured to Mrs. Ednah D. Cheney's ladies' class."

To be continued

(Excerpts from "The Art Life of William Rimmer: Sculptor, Painter, and Physician" by Truman Howe Bartlett.)