Archives of American Art

David Smith papers

Summary

Collection ID:
AAA.smitdavp
Creators:
Smith, David, 1906-1965
Dates:
1926-1965
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
6 Microfilm reels
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Correspondence; sketchbooks; sketches; scrapbooks; exhibition catalogs; photographs; business records; and printed material.
Scope and Contents
Correspondence, mostly routine business dealing with exhibitions, sales, purchases of equipment, and other business matters, and from family and friends in the art world, including Alexander Calder, Herman Cherry, Robert M. Coates, Helen Frankenthaler, Clement Greenberg, Robert Motherwell, Kenneth Noland, George Rickey, Marian Willard and others; sketchbooks, sketches, and notebook, annotated and relating to his sculptural work, 1930s-1940s; lectures, speeches, and writings; an 18 page transcript of an interview of Smith conducted by Thomas Hess, June 1964; photographs, mostly small snapshots of Smith's work, often annotated with descriptive information; scrapbook materials; articles; exhibition catalogs and announcements; and publications.

Biographical / Historical

Biographical / Historical
David Smith (1906-1965) was a sculptor from Bolton Landing, N.Y. Began his career as a painter. Studied at Art Students League. Married artist Dorothy Dehner. Was one of the first sculptors to develop a uniquely American abstract style. Worked in monumental style, incorporating painted metal and welding techniques into his work. Smith died in an automobile accident in May 1965.

Administration

Existence and Location of Copies
35mm microfilm reels NDSmith 1-NDSmith 6 available for use at Archives of American Art offices only.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Lent for microfilming by Rebecca and Candida Smith.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Access
ACCESS RESTRICTED; written permission required.
Conditions Governing Access
Patrons must use microfilm copy.

More Information

Other Finding Aids

Other Finding Aids
Finding aid available at Archives of American Art offices.


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Sculpture, Modern -- 20th century -- United States Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sculpture, American Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sculptors -- New York (State) -- Bolton Landing Occupation Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Calder, Alexander, 1898-1976 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Cherry, Herman Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Frankenthaler, Helen, 1928-2011 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Motherwell, Robert Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Greenberg, Clement, 1909-1994 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Noland, Kenneth, 1924-2010 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Rickey, George Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Willard, Marian, 1904- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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