Willoughby Ions

Willoughby Ions (1881–1977) was an American composer, artist, poet, dramatist, designer, and suffragist.

Early life Estelle deWilloughby Ions was born in 1881 in New Orleans to Cecile (nee Goodman) (1840-1930) and Robert Nevins Ions (1855 - 1949). She was briefly married twice as a young woman, but retained the use of her own surname both times. and being active in suffragist circles. She joined the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia and the Anthony League of Washington, DC. She designed for Bonwit Teller and achieved some success as the original designer of the hostess gown (including for nationwide productions of Lawrence Langner's Pie).

After her cousin Adèle Clark's partner, artist Nora Houston died, Ions left New York and was Clark's partner. In 1941 she produced a series of hand-painted plates honoring Stephen Foster. She created batik gowns, stained glass art, murals, painted tapestries, and children's toys.

Legacy Some of her artworks are held at the National Gallery of Art. Her papers are held at the Virginia Historical Society. In 1964, she was interviewed as part of an oral history project by the Archives of American Art.

Selected works

The Age of Innocents (musical satire) All in a Golden Springtime (Victorian satirical opera in 3 acts, 1934) A Frawg Went Courtin''' (play in 2 acts) To The Victors (poem) Sweet is Tipperary in the Spring (song, words by Dennis A. McCarthy) The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls'', (song, setting of Longfellow's poem, 1913)