Frank E. Schoonover Studios

The Frank E. Schoonover Studios comprise four connected units in Queen Anne style at the corner of Shallcross and Rodney Streets. The buildings feature tall windows positioned for natural light and connecting passages between the studio spaces, creating a unified complex designed for collaborative work.

Samuel Bancroft Jr commissioned architect E.L. Rice to build these studios in 1905 as workspace for illustrators from Howard Pyle's school, including N.C. Wyeth. The complex became a significant center for illustration and landscape painting in the Brandywine Valley region.

The studios embody the collaborative spirit of illustrators trained under Howard Pyle, where artists worked side by side and shared techniques during the early 1900s. This tradition of creative exchange remains visible in how the connected spaces are designed to foster connection between working artists.

The studios are located at the corner of Shallcross and Rodney Street in the Trolley Square neighborhood and are visible from the street. Visitors can observe the Queen Anne architecture and distinctive windows from the sidewalk, making the site easy to access on foot.

Frank E. Schoonover maintained ownership of Studio Number 1 for decades until 1972, while other original artists departed much earlier. His lengthy commitment to the space makes his studio one of the most continuous creative centers within the complex.

Location: Delaware

GPS coordinates: 39.75720,-75.55830

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:43