Bolton, Robert, 1937-1988

Born in Knoxville, Tenn., on 15 July 1937, photographer Robert Bolton discovered photography in his early teens. Bolton attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in art. Shortly after graduating from college, he became art director of Hogan, Rose & Co. Inc., an advertising agency in Knoxville, Tenn. Although he remained in this professional position for the rest of his life, Bolton continued to be an avid photographer until his death in 1988.

From the description of Robert Bolton collection, 1955-1980 (bulk 1963-1969). WorldCat record id: 77123810

Born in Knoxville, Tenn., on 15 July 1937, photographer Robert Bolton discovered photography in his early teens. Bolton attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in art. During his college years, drawing and painting were Bolton's main creative output; however, he continued to develop his photographic skills by working as photographer for the school newspaper and by extensively photographing his subjects before beginning a new portrait.

Shortly after graduating from college, Robert Bolton became art director of Hogan, Rose & Co. Inc., an advertising agency in Knoxville, Tenn. Although he remained in this professional position for the rest of his life, Bolton continued to be an avid photographer until his death in 1988. Bolton resided in Knoxville, Tenn., for most of his life, but he frequently traveled throughout the eastern United States photographing people, places, and cultural events along the way. During his lifetime, Bolton photographed everything from common street scenes found in and around many southern cities to major cultural gatherings, such as the Downbeat Jazz Festival in Chicago, Ill., and the Ole Time Fiddler's & Bluegrass Festival in Union Grove, N.C.

From the guide to the Robert Bolton Collection, 1955-1980 and undated, (bulk 1963-1969), (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Folklife Collection.)