Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 12:05 PM

naturally the Irish Times would cite George's work in Ireland so I'm surprised it doesn't mention Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy. I read in Liam Clancy's autobiography that after Liam emigrated to the USA, he worked as an assistant to George for a time

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 04:57 PM

Here's Derek Schofield's Guardian obituary, as mentioned above:

George Pickow obituary
US photographer and film-maker who chronicled the heyday of folk and jazz

Derek Schofield
guardian.co.uk
Thursday 13 January 2011

George Pickow, who has died aged 88, was a photographer and film-maker whose images were used on many album covers in the US – jazz, folk and pop – and who made a significant contribution to the film Festival (1967), which chronicled the Newport folk festival in its heyday. As the husband of the Kentucky-born folk singer Jean Ritchie, he was able to gain access to informal music-making, both in the Ritchie family home, and in Britain and Ireland during a visit made by Ritchie in the early 1950s.

Pickow was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in New York, where he studied art. During the second world war he made training films for the US navy. Although never a musician himself, he loved jazz and blues, and his first exposure to folk music was in the early 1940s, when he heard Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston at the leftwing Camp Unity in upstate New York.

At a square dance in 1948 he met Ritchie, who came from a large Kentucky family whose members had sung for the English folk collector Cecil Sharp in 1917, and again for the American folklorist Alan Lomax. With her large repertoire of Anglo-American balladry, Ritchie was lauded by the emerging American folk scene in Greenwich Village, New York.

Eager to discover the origins of her songs, Ritchie, accompanied by Pickow – they married in 1950 – spent more than a year in Britain and Ireland in 1952-53, funded by a Fulbright scholarship. Pickow worked with Lomax (based in Britain for much of the 50s) and the English folk collector Peter Kennedy to film a Cornish folk custom, the Padstow Obby Oss (hobby horse). The result, Oss Oss Wee Oss (1953), remains an important ethnographic record, excerpts from which were shown recently on the BBC television documentary Still Folk Dancing After All These Years. Pickow also filmed the Dartmoor folk singer Bill Westaway, whose family's version of Widecombe Fair helped to popularise the song, and provided inspiration for Kennedy and others to film English folk singers and customs.

In Ireland, Pickow photographed singers and musicians visited by Ritchie, such as the uillean piper Séamus Ennis and the singer Sarah Makem, mother of Tommy, as well as Irish rural scenes. Pickow's Irish photographs are deposited in the library of the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Back in the US, Pickow took photographs of jazz, pop and rock singers including Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Little Richard, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Jordan and Lena Horne, as well as the folk singers Pete Seeger, Josh White and Judy Collins, and many of his photographs graced their album covers. He also photographed visual artists such as Edward Hopper and Thomas Hart Benton.

Pickow travelled to Mexico, Peru, the new state of Israel in 1948 and Turkey, as well as Europe, taking photographs. Whenever the opportunity arose, he photographed musicians, local celebrations and ordinary people at work. His photographs were published in Life magazine, National Geographic and Cosmopolitan, and he was the principal photographer, and later partner, of the Three Lions picture agency.

Pickow was associate producer and one of the cameramen for Murray Lerner's film Festival, about the Newport folk festival between 1963 and 1966, when the commercial, political and ethnic aspects of the American folk revival came together at a single event. The film captures performers including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash and Peter, Paul and Mary. Pickow's camera work was also used in the 2007 film The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival. Pickow also filmed Ballads, Blues and Bluegrass (1961), directed by Lomax, featuring singers including Doc Watson and Jack Elliott.

Ritchie popularised the Appalachian dulcimer for folk song accompaniment, but as there were no manufacturers of the instrument, Pickow made a copy of Ritchie's dulcimer and supervised a small-scale business that supplied the burgeoning folk market. He supplied the photographs for Ritchie's songbooks, including The Swapping Song Book (1952) and Folk Songs of the Southern Appalachians (1965), as well as for The Dulcimer Book (1963).

Pickow is survived by Ritchie and their sons, Jon and Peter.

• George Pickow, photographer and film-maker, born 11 February 1922; died 10 December 2010

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 04:27 PM

The Irish Times just published An Appreciation on Monday, February 14, 2011

If the link disappears, it was at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0214/1224289739232.html,

An Appreciation

GEORGE PICKOW, who died on December 10th, aged 88, was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Following art training at the Cooper Union, he worked in all areas of photographic media, from making training films for the US navy during the second World War to illustrating children's books for Scribner's and the Oxford University Press.

He also worked with his wife, Jean Ritchie, the famous singer, dulcimer-player and folk-song collector (whom he married in 1950) in the production and illustration of her many books on the traditional music of the Southern Appalachians, including the prize-winning Celebration of Life, and The Swapping Song Book (1952), a volume of songs from her native Cumberland Mountains of Kentucky.

George was well known in music circles in the US during the 1950s as a photographer for record-sleeves. As a portrait photographer he took memorable pictures of numerous Greenwich Village musicians, including Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Jordan and Pete Seeger, and of many famous visual artists, including Edward Hopper.

In cinematography, the feature film Festival , a documentary about the Newport Folk Festival, directed by Murray Lerner (on which George worked as associate producer and cameraman), won an award at the Cannes Film Festival. For National Educational Television, he did all the location filming for their classic folklore series, Lyrics and Legends . Another film, a colour documentary of the Padstow Mayday celebration in Cornwall, called Oss! Oss! Wee Oss! (made in collaboration with Peter Kennedy of the BBC), became a classic in its field.

In 1952 Jean was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to travel to Britain and Ireland. Her idea was to retrace the steps by which her family's songs had travelled to America, by seeking out their origins in England, Ireland, and Scotland. George accompanied Jean on her Fulbright trip, and together they recorded dozens of folk singers and traditional musicians (using the first ever portable, reel-to-reel recording equipment). George all the time was taking photographs, and paid his way by writing picture-stories for magazines back in the US (the New York Sunday News in particular). Amongst the musicians recorded and photographed were Séamus Ennis and Leo Rowsome on the uileann pipes, the singers Elizabeth Cronin, Sarah Makem, and Máire Áine Nic Dhonncha, the famous Traveller singer Margaret Barry, and many others. Their album of field-recordings from Ireland, As I Roved Out, appeared in 1960.

While in Ireland, George photographed other aspects of Irish life: the bird-market in Dublin, road-bowling, coursing, hunting, GAA games (including the craft of making sliotars), life on the Aran Islands, wren-boys, and Christmas traditions, as well as images from the modern Ireland of 1952: the Garda Síochána in Dublin Castle, the launch of Aer Lingus at the new Dublin airport, and a bustling O'Connell Street, packed with cyclists. As a result, a unique and priceless collection of images came into being.

In the course of a return visit to Ireland in July 1991, as part of the Galway Arts Festival, Jean and George were themselves recorded, and their recollections of folk-song-collecting in Ireland preserved for posterity. George's seemingly limitless store of hilarious stories also captivated his audience. The festival hosted an exhibition of George's work, which then travelled to west Cork, where he and Jean met up again with all those locals who featured in George's 1952 photos. It was a memorable occasion. Last stop on that trip was in Dublin, where Jean and George were special guests at the launch of the Bringing it All Back Home TV series, made by Philip King and Nuala O'Connor, in which Jean was prominently featured.

A further exhibition took place in Galway in 1996, to mark the acquisition of the entire Ritchie-Pickow Collection of Irish photographic and sound-recordings by the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. Declining health prevented any subsequent return. George is survived by his wife Jean and their two sons, Jon and Peter.


--Charlie Baum, with grateful thanks to Kathie Mack for bringing this to my attention

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 14 Jan 11 - 03:08 PM

Yes, Addison - I saw the obit by Derek Schofield in today's Guardian too.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jan 11 - 11:49 AM

Sorry to hear the news.
Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: GUEST,addison
Date: 14 Jan 11 - 06:37 AM

Obituary in today's UK Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/jan/13/george-pickow-obituary

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: Alice
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:19 PM

I am so sorry to hear this news. To Jean and your family, my deep sympathy.

Alice Flynn

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: GUEST,Tannywheeler
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:54 PM

Well, damn. It's a rotten shame. Such a sweet, kind, loving, gifted man. I send love to Jean & the family. You know that somehow you pick up & go on, but it ain't easy & you'd rather not have to. :( Tw

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 03:18 PM

Jean, my deepest condolences. He will be remembered by those of us who remember his contributions to folk music.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: GUEST,Louise Luger
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 11:31 AM

I am so heartbroken to hear of George's passing. I'm sorry that I missed seeing him this summer, because I was unable to attend the last summer picnic, and feel all the more sad. I always looked forward to seeing this fine man.

I've known the Ritchies from the picnicsthey graciously held for many years in Port Washington. George was such a kind and gracious man, refined and good natured in a way you don't see often anymore; and he was so generous in showing me his photographs dating back to his days as a magazine photographer; and his landscape photos were just as beautiful and riveting as his portraits. We both loved photography and were eager to share our 'adventures', and I remember talking about his photographing Dylan in the 60's (I believe some of those stills were in the Scorsese film) and seeing him sporting his first digital camera;still taking pictures every year. He was a pleasure to know, and I extend my heartfelt wishes and prayers to the family.

Rest in peace, dear George, you were a blessing on earth,and will
be truly missed.
Louise

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 88)
From: KathWestra
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 09:00 PM

Oh, Jean, my heartfelt condolences at the loss of your dear George, your husband, friend, and companion. Much love to you, and to Jon and Peter as your family deals with this great loss. Kathy

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 12:00 PM

Here is the NY Times obituary: George Pickow, Artist Who Chronicled Musical Life, Is Dead at 88

By MARGALIT FOX
Published: December 18, 2010

George Pickow, a photographer best known for the thousands of album covers in which he captured the titans of folk, jazz and pop music — including Theodore Bikel, Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne — in their midcentury prime, died on Dec. 10 in Roslyn, N.Y. He was 88 and lived in Port Washington, on Long Island.

The cause was respiratory failure, his son Jon said. Mr. Pickow also had a home in Viper, Ky., the birthplace of his wife, the folk singer Jean Ritchie.

Working quietly behind the scenes, Mr. Pickow (pronounced PEEK-oh) documented the bubbling cultural ferment of New York City, and in particular Greenwich Village, where he and Ms. Ritchie lived after their marriage in 1950.

For Elektra Records and other labels, he photographed folk singers like Josh White, Pete Seeger, Judy Collins and, of course, Ms. Ritchie, as well as jazz and pop artists like Little Richard, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Nina Simone and Louis Jordan.

Mr. Pickow, who was originally trained as a painter, also shot many distinguished visual artists, among them Thomas Hart Benton, Reginald Marsh, Chaim Gross and Edward Hopper, images that have since been exhibited around the country.

Some of his most striking photographs, in stark black and white, depict an array of artisans and ordinary people around the world plying their trades: women weaving and churning butter, men binding books and making harps and pipe organs and even waxwork heads.

Mr. Pickow, who helped his wife collect traditional songs from singers in Appalachia and Britain, contributed photographs to many of her books, among them "The Swapping Song Book" (Oxford University, 1952), a volume of songs from the Cumberland Mountains of Kentucky.

Also an independent filmmaker, he was a cinematographer on "Festival" (1967), a documentary film about the Newport Folk Festival, directed by Murray Lerner.

From the late 1970s until shortly before his death, Mr. Pickow ran a small record label, Greenhays Recordings, which produced several of Ms. Ritchie's albums, including "Mountain Born," "High Hills and Mountains" and "The Most Dulcimer." Greenhays also recorded folk artists like John McCutcheon, Mike Seeger, Alice Gerrard and Lily May Ledford.

George Pickow was born on Feb. 11, 1922, in Los Angeles and reared in Brooklyn. He studied painting at the Cooper Union and during World War II made training films for the Navy.

In 1948 in New York, Mr. Pickow met Ms. Ritchie, who was not yet widely known, at a square dance at the Henry Street Settlement, where she was a social worker. The next day, for their first date, he took her along on a photo shoot at the Fulton Fish Market. The result — Ms. Ritchie perched on the hood of a truck, holding a rather large lobster — was published in a trucking-industry magazine.

Perhaps more impressive to Ms. Ritchie was the Appalachian dulcimer Mr. Pickow made for her, a copy of the traditional one she had brought from Kentucky. It proved so successful that for about a decade, starting in the early 1960s, he ran a small family dulcimer-making business, located on the Brooklyn side of the Williamsburg Bridge and presided over by his uncle, a millwright and cabinetmaker.

Neither Mr. Pickow nor his uncle was especially musical, so Ms. Ritchie painstakingly marked each nascent dulcimer to indicate the placement of the frets.

Besides Ms. Ritchie, Mr. Pickow is survived by their sons, Jon and Peter, who sang on many of their mother's albums, and a sister, Lenette, named for Vladimir Lenin.

While Ms. Ritchie was born to folk music, Mr. Pickow came to it by degrees. "I was mainly into old jazz and blues then," he told The New York Times in 1980, recalling their meeting, "and thought nothing was any good unless it was down and dirty. She wasn't Bessie Smith."

But, he added, "I've learned a lot since then."

----

This weekend we picked up a copy of the memoir/tunebook, "Greenwich Village, The Happy Folk Singing Days, 19502 and 1960s" by Ralph Lee Smith with Madeleine McNeil (Mel Bay, 2008). We've been enjoying the many pictures by George there -- sorry there aren't some of him.

Condolences to Jean and all their family.

~ Becky and Michael in Tucson

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 11:47 AM

Condolences to Jean and family.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 09:33 AM

My fervent condolences to those missing one who lived such a full life, and my salute to that life.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 09:20 PM

In honor of George Pickow, Thistle and Shamrock is showcasing Jean this week.

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Ed Brown
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 07:39 PM

So sad to learn that George Pickow has died.

So glad that he lived ... and that I had the opportunity to see his photos as part of a concert that Jean did at the Sounding Board in CT a number of years ago.

Thanks for links to the online obituary. Peace to all.

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP George Pickow (10 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 05:46 PM

There's an obituary in the NY Times, but it's available to everyone here (UPI Entertainment News).

Subject: Obit: George Pickow Dec. 18, 2010
From: Amos
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 05:23 PM

George Pickow, a photographer best known for the thousands of album covers in which he captured the titans of folk, jazz and pop music Ñ including Theodore Bikel, Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne Ñ in their midcentury prime, died on Dec. 10 in Roslyn, N.Y. He was 88 and lived in Port Washington, on Long Island.

The cause was respiratory failure, his son Jon said. Mr. Pickow also had a home in Viper, Ky., the birthplace of his wife, the folk singer Jean Ritchie.

---

Jean, I know that all of our hearts go out to you. This is a terrible loss. I wish you great courage.


A

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 05:12 PM

Sad to hear this. Interesting that his name wasn't coupled with that of his wife. a la Blake Edwards,down in BS.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Peggy Lowenherz-Stolowitz
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 05:06 PM

I was sorry to hear this sad news. George worked with my Father at Three Lions Picture agency. I knew George and Jean fairly well When I left NYC George took my very frisky dog for his children.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Hollowfox
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 04:12 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this. He was such a kind patient man. I met him at the first folk festival I ever helped organize, at Geneseo NY in February 1971. There was a blizzard that weekend. He and his family were kind enough to give another performer a ride home to New York City, and kind enough to keep a straight face when, just as my mother did to me, I told them to call me when they got home so I knew they got there safely. I'll miss him. Peter and Jon, my thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 04:07 PM

UPI just released an obit, too: CLick Here.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: elfcape
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 11:16 AM

Lives come to an end, but Jon and Peter have borne a heavy load in the last 3 years. I hope George's passing did not add too much to their burden. And I hope Jean is well enough to continue to find joy in living.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 10:57 AM

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/arts/design/19pickow.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Sadly, this was in today's NYTimes.
I remember meeting Jean and George at the gathering Big Mick mentioned earlier. No finer, more gracious people could be found. I am looking at The Swapping Song Book with photos by George and am touched by the sensitivity and beauty of his photographs; what a lasting legacy he leaves. My deepest condolences.
Sheila

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,janet weinberg
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 11:02 PM

Jean, Jon, Peter. I am so sorry. May your memories comfort you. Janet

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 11:39 AM

my heartfelt condolences, I am so sad to read this news

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 10:03 AM

Jean, Amba and I are mourning for you in your great loss. With love, Bob

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Genie
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 02:36 AM

Jean, Jon, and Peter, my condolences to you and your family.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age
From: Mark Ross
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 01:16 AM

I met George when I worked at the NY Folklore Center in the '70's, a fine, gracious, gentle, man. Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Regina Bartlett
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 10:48 PM

After I heard the sad news last night I thought about how I first met George Pickow and Jean Ritchie. It was almost 30 years ago in the parking lot at UCSC. We were on our way to hear Bella Abzug speak. I had just participated in the Pacific Rim Dulcimer Gathering in Los Gatos and gave Jean a redwood burl carving of a dulcimer.    As we walked together to the theater we chatted and I learned that Jean was an Artist in Residence at UCSC and then I was invited to Jean's Dulcimer workshop. It changed my life and Jean has made a lasting impression as a musician and songwriter and human being.

I'm sad for Jean that George has passed on.
I know that she has a sad song now.
They were so conscious of each other and so full of love and very sweet people. I will play something special Sunday at Church on my dulcimer at Communion and pray for their family. God Bless

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 06:31 PM

Thank you, Matthew, for the link to the Pickow Collection.

Mick, I thought it was a wonderful article, too. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Fortunato
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 06:15 PM

Jean, We am very sorry to learn of your loss.

Chance and Susette Shiver

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: georgeward
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 05:24 PM

I just saw this thread. Jean, Jon, Peter: all I can offer are condolences...hardly enough for all the good times of years ago and all you have shared with us.    - George Ward

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 04:26 PM

I am so very sorry to hear this news. I met George only once after doing an interview with Jean at their home. His warm welcome made me feel like I'd known him all my life. Two of the kindest and most beautiful souls I've ever met. My condolences to Jean and her sons.. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: JennieG
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 04:16 PM

My condolences to Jean, and her sons....such sad news.

JennieG

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 01:58 PM

Thanks for tracking that down, Kat. What a wonderful piece about a gentle and kind man. And a brilliant photographer and videographer to boot.

I only met him twice, both times at the Ritchie-Pickow home. We were there for the annual picnic and were fortunate enough to stick around and chat on the porch. My youngest daughter came the last time we went, and on the way home she had me tell her all about George and Jean. She remarked as how she thought someone was lucky to have them for grandparents cause they were such sweet people. She told me she was really glad she got to meet them. I agree.

Darling Jean and boys, you are being held deep in my heart today. I am not around a lot because of my obligations to my parents and family just now. But know that this mans voice will long be found in those he has touched.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 01:55 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this news - my condolences to Jean and the family.

Some of George's legacy is contained in the wonderful George Pickow Image Collection at the James Hardiman Library in the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 12:43 PM

Still no published obit that I could find, but I did think this was something folks might like to read, even though it came out in 1999. From HERE:

Stepping Out From Behind the Camera
Published: April 25, 1999
By BARBARA DELATINER

PORT WASHINGTON— IN more than five decades as a photographer and documentary film maker, George Pickow has done it all: covers and photo essays for magazines like Life and National Geographic; album covers for recordings by Theodore Bikel, Clark Terry, Nina Simone and Lawrence Welk; portraits of legendary artists; nature photography like the images of the Grand Tetons that grace the cover of the Sierra Club handbook, and a series of films about American folklore.

Despite occasional moments in the spotlight, though, Mr. Pickow was essentially anonymous until recently. ''Nobody looks at or even cares about print picture credits or even film photography credits,'' he said in an interview in the home he shares with Jean Ritchie, the acclaimed folk singer and folklorist, and his wife and collaborator for 50 years.

About a year ago, however, a friend who runs a small country store in Maine asked Mr. Pickow to ''give him a couple of photographs to hang -- and maybe even sell -- in his store,'' Mr. Pickow recalled. ''And lo and behold, they sold.''

Mr. Pickow still does not think of himself as an art photographer, but when the local library asked him to show his work, he agreed. The monthlong exhibition of 46 prints, which runs through Friday, features a selection of black-and-white stills chronicling his career. There are the artists like Thomas Hart Benton, Reginald Marsh, Chaim Gross and Edward Hopper, all of whom he photographed in Greenwich Village, where the couple lived in before settling here in 1955.

As they had two small sons during those years, ''I couldn't travel the way I usually did,'' Mr. Pickow explained. ''So I started doing those portraits.

''The Marsh shot was real eerie. I made it at his Union Square studio, and we got to talking about a wall he had covered with pictures of dead artists. 'I keep them there to remember who's still alive,' he told me by way of explanation. Well, wouldn't you know it? The day after the shoot, Marsh died.''

There are pictures of folk-music greats like Josh White, Pete Seeger, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, whom Mr. Pickow met through Ms. Ritchie and photographed extensively. And a major segment is devoted to pictures he took in Ireland in 1952 and 1953, when Ms. Ritchie was there on a Fulbright fellowship exploring the roots of folk music. Along with her tape recordings of music, his images of traditional musicians and craftspeople were acquired by University College Galway in Ireland in 1996. Called ''The Ritchie-Pickow Archive: A Celebration of Life and Culture in 1950's Ireland,'' it has traveled throughout Ireland.

Born in Los Angeles but reared in Brooklyn, Mr. Pickow, 77, started out to be an artist or an architect, studying at Cooper Union in Manhattan. World War II intervened, and although he was unable to serve because of a physical disability, he found himself making training films for the Navy and switched career plans to cinematography. As fate would have it -- and fate, he said, has pretty much shaped his career -- after the war ''the documentary film industry disappeared in New York,'' he said.

He turned to still photography. Pictures he took and sold freelance during extended bike trips through Europe and Israel in 1947 and 1948 brought him to the attention of Three Lions Inc., a prestigious international photographic agency. Producing stills for textbooks, calendars, Bibles, advertisements and magazine and newspaper articles, he became the agency's principal photographer. ''Probably because I was making too much money,'' he said, ''they made me a partner.''

A chance meeting in the late 1940's with the Kentucky-born Ms. Ritchie, who was then supporting herself as a social worker at the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, led to the next and, he said, most significant phase of his professional and personal life. She piqued his interest in music, especially folk music. When he eventually moved to studio photography, he developed a knack for taking pictures of musicians that made him a leading photographer for album covers.

He recalls his adventure with Dizzy Gillespie during the 1964-65 World's Fair in New York. ''It was for an album of movie music, and since there was a sound stage on exhibit at the fair, the studio wanted me to shoot Dizzy on the set,'' Mr. Pickow said. 'Only Dizzy insisted on having his little poodle in the picture, and to this day I don't know how I managed to make sense of Dizzy on a movie set holding a poodle, but I did.''

Mr. Pickow's most unforgettable experience by far involved Lena Horne. ''She came to the studio to look at a series of shots we had taken the day before, and she just hated them,'' he said. ''She took a scissors out of her bag and cut them all up into tiny pieces. It was the first -- and last -- time that had ever happened to me. Sure, we later got pictures for the album, but after all these years, just thinking about her cutting up those pictures makes me, well, feel bad.''

In his one previous brush with fame, Mr. Pickow made headlines throughout the world as ''the man who stopped Big Ben.'' Accompanying Ms. Ritchie on one of her study tours, in 1960 Mr. Pickow picked up an assignment to photograph maintenance work on the famed London clock. Unfortunately, the technician failed to move a ladder in time, and the works got stuck. It was the first time that had happened; Big Ben had survived even the Blitz without missing a beat. It took 20 minutes to pinpoint the cause and restart the clock. To help the technician keep his job, Mr. Pickow told him to ''say I did it,'' Mr. Pickow said.

He and Ms. Ritchie have collaborated on successful books like ''Celebration of Life'' (Music Sales Corporation, 1971) and ''The Dulcimer Book.'' Accompanying her on concert tours, Mr. Pickow snapped away, building up a vast reservoir of stills that he ultimately put together as slide shows flashed on screen by up to 12 projectors.

When it became possible to make videos easily and ''slide shows became cumbersome and disappeared,'' he switched to videos. He also returned to film making as both a cinematographer and a producer of films like ''Festival,'' about the Newport Folk Festival, which won an award at the Cannes International Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination. He branched out to create, with the folk singer and composer Oscar Brand, multi-media theatrical pieces like ''Sing America Sing'' for the bicentennial celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington and two recent productions at the 92d Street Y in Manhattan, ''Bill of Rights'' and ''Protest Songs.''

Working on these video and multimedia productions now takes up much of his professional time. With Ms. Ritchie, Mr. Brand and Tom Paxton, he is to participate in a folk festival on May 22 and 23 at the Landmark on Main Street here.

''I was never really great at going out and looking for work,'' he said, explaining his relative inactivity these days. ''I wait until some one comes to me.''

George Pickow's photographs remain on view through Friday at the Port Washington Library, 1 Library Drive. A selection of his films, including ''Oss! Oss! Wee Oss!,'' a record of May Day fertility rites in Cornwall; ''Music and Images from Ireland;'' ''Stir-Off,'' an account of making molasses in Viper, Ky, and segments from ''Festival'' will be shown at the library tomorrow at 8 P.M. Information: 883-4400.

Photos: George Pickow and Jean Ritchie at their home in Port Washington. His library exhibition includes this photograph of Carl Sandburg. (Rebecca Cooney for The New York Times)

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Michael S
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 12:24 PM

Sad news. I add my condolences.

I want to note that George Pickow was an accomplished photographer and cinematographer. He shot much of the footage of the Newport Folk Festival (circa mid-1960s) that ended up in the acclaimed Newport documentary, Festival. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I recall hearing about a tussle between George and Murray Lerner regarding ownership rights. Lerner is credited as director. My DVD copy of the film credits a George Pico as associate producer. I don't know if that's a mistake or a deliberate pseudonym, but it's Mr. Pickow.

If anyone can clarify/add to my understanding of George's role in this film, I'd appreciate it.

His sounds like a life well-lived.

Michael Scully
Austin, TX

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Sarah McQuaid
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 08:34 AM

I'm so very sorry to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to Jean and her family.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 08:03 AM

Love to Jean and the family. Sad loss at any time of year, but more so now.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Suffet
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 07:59 AM

Just one small note: George was born February 11, 1922, which means he was 88 years old. Also, I just alerted the New York Times, which has not yet published an obituary that I have seen.

Meanwhile, Marilyn and I send our best wishes to Jean, Jon, and Peter. Our thoughts are with you.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 07:59 AM

Very sad news. I met George, with Jean, in England twenty odd years ago, and they were charming and friendly.
My condolences to Jean and her sons.
Derek

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Little Robyn
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 02:15 AM

I'm very sorry to hear this.
Lots of love to Jean and family.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: open mike
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 01:13 AM

So sorry to hear this....blessings to Jean and the family.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Nancy King
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 11:56 PM

Very sad news indeed. Please know that I join people all over the country and the world in keeping this marvelous family in my thoughts.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 11:53 PM

my condolences to Jean, her sons, family & friends

sandra

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Kiyohide Kunizaki
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 11:47 PM

from Japan. Very sad to hear this.
I love his pictures and films.

kiyohide

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: GUEST,Babypix (Deborah Robins & Larry Hanks)
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 10:42 PM

Dear Jean and Jon,

So terribly sorry to hear about George. Seems like only yesterday (actually, just last winter) that we were sitting in your living room having lots of laughs and great music. George has left us all with a great deal to remember him by.

Warmest and fondest regards
and heartfelt condolences from your friends,

Deborah & Larry Hanks

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 10:38 PM

Jean, how sad. I have nothing but great and good memories of the times spent talking with you and George at various venues. Carol and I are thinking of you and George tonight We do hope your own health has improved some in recent times.

Jean, all our love goes out to you!

Art and Carol Thieme

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 10:37 PM

Oh my goodness. December 8 was Jean's 88th birthday. This is quite a tragedy. Rest in peace.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 09:18 PM

Oh, Jean..so very sad to read this. Much love and condolences to you and your family. We owe you all so much.

Kat & Roger

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 08:42 PM

So sorry to hear this. Love to Jean and the family.
Ross

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age
From: GUEST,Susan Brumfield
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 07:55 PM

Oh, dear Jean, I am so sorry to hear this news. Your wonderful George was such a delightful man, and knowing him was a real joy. I've never seen two people as much in love. I'm thinking of you. Love, Susan

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: IvanB
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 07:46 PM

Very sad to hear this. My thoughts are with Jean and the family.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 07:00 PM

My condolences. Your family has given us so much, and many of us will hold you all in our hearts.

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 06:50 PM

Sincere condolences to the entire family.

Mary Katherine

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 06:29 PM

George was an extremely kind person and generous with himself and his talents. I'm so sorry to hear of this, and my thoughts are with the entire Pickow/Ritchie family.

Dan

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow (8 Dec 2010, age 91)
From: maeve
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 06:18 PM

This is a huge loss. Jean and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 06:15 PM

Oh, Jean, I am so sorry.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Sad News - RIP George Pickow
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 06:12 PM

Very sorry to hear this - all condolences to the family, who've made such a tremendous contribution to folk music for all of us.

Kitty

Subject: Sad News - RIP George Pickow
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 06:10 PM

It was just reported on Facebook that George Pickow, husband of Jean Ritchie and father of Jon & Peter Pickow passed away at midnight on December 8th. My condolences go out to the entire Pickow-Ritchie family. I met George on numerous ocassions and he was a very warm and loving human being. I believe that he was 91 years old. I last saw him on August 29th at he Borderline picnic that we held in honor of Jean Ritchie. He was in a wheelchair at the time and very frail but his spirit was as ebullient as ever. I will truly miss this man.