Fred Fox and Roger Armstrong comic strip art, 1950-1961

Collection context

Creator:
Fox, Fred
Extent:
3 linear feet (1 flat box)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This long run of the long-running comic strip "Ella Cinders" (1925-1961) is by writer Fred Fox and artist Roger Armstrong, and represents the closing years of the strip. The main character, Ella, was modeled on silent film actress Colleen Moore, and retained her 1920s look while other characters reflected the period in which they were drawn. Also included are 31 "tryout" strips for a never-syndicated strip"Perilous Pauline" which indicate potential editorial changes. Both strips manifest frequent use of almost pristine Zip-A-Tone, a material used to add texture to simple line art.

Biographical / historical:

Fred Fox was an American writer and cartoonist, born as Frederick Louis Fox in New York. He was involved in the creation of Charlie Plumb's 'Ella Cinders' strip for the Metropolitan Newspaper Service since the 1920s. He took over the writing of the strip anonymously in 1940 and assumed complete control between 1945 and 1961, leaving the artwork during the final year of his tenure to Roger Armstrong.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Material is unprocessed. Please contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Fred Fox and Roger Armstrong Comic Strip Art; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu