Born 1887, Washington DC
Died 1953, New York City

One of the famous printmakers from the early 20th century, Arms first trained and practiced as an architect and then embarked on a lengthy career in the arts. He was a member of the National Academy and numerous etching and engraving societies. His exhibition and award list is lengthy. Like Rockwell Kent, his early architectural drawing training provided a technical background that shows in his work.

Like many artists of the period he traveled extensively in Europe and those scenes are reflected in his plates. Arm’s work is sometimes categorized into several “series”, such as his French Church Series, his English series, his Maine Series, etc. his early training in architectural drawing provided a technical background that shows in his work.

Like many artists of the period, the vast majority of his 441 known works are etchings. The main catalogue on his work is William D. Fletcher’s John Taylor Arms - A Man for all Time, 1982.

His work is in many public institutions including an almost complete set in the Library of Congress (lacking only 10 works). He died of cancer on October 13, 1953.