Archives of American Art

John Spencer papers

Summary

Collection ID:
AAA.spenjohn
Creators:
Spencer, John, 1911-1996
Dates:
1930-1994
bulk 1933-1944
Languages:
Undetermined
.
Physical Description:
0.2 Linear feet
(20 items)
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Papers relate to Spencer's experiences as an assistant to muralist Dean Cornwell on the Los Angeles Central Library Mural project from 1927-1933 and to his subsequent relationship with Cornwell. Included are 13 letters from Cornwell to Spencer, 1933-1944, in which Cornwell offers criticism of Spencer's sketches and discusses related matters on composition and current art projects; a photo of a cartoon for a mural panel "The Discovery Era" by Cornwell ca. 1930-1931; drawings by Spencer from a lecture on the Los Angeles Central Library Mural by Cornwell; clipping on board of Cornwell and Spencer working on the Los Angeles Library Mural; and a photocopy of a clipping, 1994, regarding the murals.

Biographical / Historical

Biographical / Historical
Painter; California.

Administration

Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated 1994 by John Spencer.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Access
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Mural painting and decoration, American Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mural painting and decoration -- 20th century -- California -- Los Angeles Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Painters -- California Occupation Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Muralists -- California Occupation Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Cornwell, Dean, 1892-1960 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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