The Life and Art of Julien Binford
Julien Binford was an American painter who studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and later in France. After receiving the Edward L. Ryerson Traveling Fellowship in 1932, he spent three years studying in Paris. During his time in France, he met Élisabeth Bollée de Vautibault, a poet who would later become his wife. Upon returning to Virginia in 1935, Binford settled on a small farm called The Foundry in Powhatan County. His lifestyle in the rural area influenced his work, which transitioned from abstract paintings shown in Paris to more realistic depictions of his neighbors and their environment.
Binford's career included significant mural work and recognition in major publications. He painted a mural for the Post Office of Forest, Mississippi, depicting loggers, and his series titled "New York Harbor at War" was featured in Life magazine. In 1946, he began a long tenure as a professor of painting at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, serving until his retirement in 1971.
Notable Works and Achievements
Binford's artistic contributions include several notable commissions and public works:
- The mural "The Lord Over Jordan" located in Shiloh Baptist Church in Powhatan, Virginia.
- A mural for the Post Office of Forest, Mississippi, illustrating the lumber industry.
- A series of paintings titled "New York Harbor at War" published in Life magazine.
His work has been featured in Time, Newsweek, and Life magazines. Some of his pieces are held in the permanent collection of the Mary Washington University Galleries.
