Archives of American Art

David Smith sketchbook

Summary

Collection ID:
AAA.smithdavid
Creators:
Smith, David, 1906-1965
Dates:
1954-1969
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1 Item
reel microfilm
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
A sketchbook in black and white containing sketches and studies beginning in April, 1954 for the Willard Gallery. Sketches and studies are for the sculpture projects "Bicycle," "Ridge Runner," "Monday Woman," "Europa," "Tanktotem III," and "Tanktotem IV." Also included are notes on the sketches and some financial statements, one short letter from Smith's daughter Rebecca Smith, and three family photographs.

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. 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 reel 2300 available for use at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Existence and Location of Originals
Original returned to lender, Adam Mekler, after microfilming.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Lent for microfilming 1981 by Adam Mekler, a California gallery owner.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Access
The Archives of American art does not own the original papers. Use is limited to the microfilm copy.

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
Sketchbooks Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sculptors -- New York (State) -- Bolton Landing Occupation Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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