Bunn, William E. L., 1910-2009

William E. L. Bunn (1910-2009) was a designer, muralist, and painter in Ft. Madison, Iowa and Ojai, California. Bunn was born in Muscatine, Iowa and received his B.A. in Graphic and Plastic Arts and an M.A. in Theater Design, both from the University of Iowa. In 1937 he was awarded a one-year post-graduate fellowship as an art intern for Grant Wood. From 1938 to 1942 he won four commissions from the Treasury Department to produce murals for Federal buildings. He also exhibited paintings, primarily depicting Mississippi River steamboats, at the National Academy of Design, Art Institute of Chicago, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and other group shows. Beginning in 1943 Bunn worked as an industrial designer at several companies including Sheaffer Pen Company (1946-1967) and Cuckler Steele Span Company (1967-1977). After his retirement, he and his wife, Annavene, moved to California, and he continued to paint. Bunn was also active in the Theosophical Society and had an interest in aviation.

From the guide to the William E. L. Bunn papers, 1863-2009, (Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution)

Wiliam Edward Lewis Bunn (1910-2009) was a designer, muralist, and painter in Muscatine, Iowa and Ojai, Calif.

Bunn studied under Grant Wood at the University of Iowa. During the 1930s he won commissions from the Federal Department of Fine Arts to paint murals in public buildings throughout the Midwest. He also worked as an industrial designer for Shaeffer Pen and Cuckler Steel. Later in life, he turned to painting placid scenes of Americana, and was particularly fond of Mississippi river boats as a subject.

From the description of William E. L. Bunn papers, 1863-2009. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 779476823

Wiliam Edward Lewis Bunn (1910-2009) was a designer, muralist, and painter in Muscatine, Iowa and Ojai, Calif.

Bunn studied under Grant Wood at the University of Iowa. During the 1930s he won commissions from the Federal Department of Fine Arts to paint murals in public buildings throughout the Midwest. He also worked as an industrial designer for Shaeffer Pen and Cuckler Steel. Later in life, he turned to painting placid scenes of Americana, and was particularly fond of Mississippi river boats as a subject.

From the description of William Edward Lewis Bunn papers, 1929-2001. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 669909556