Scope and Contents

The Edgar A. Albin Slide Collection includes images of architecture and sights of India taken in 1954 by Professor Edgar A. Albin, A Fullbright Scholar. A second set shows notable contemporary Indian artists in their studios, as well as examples of their works.

Arrangement

One series organized by locations within India; second series organized by artist.

Biographical / Historical

Edgar A. Albin was professor of Art at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, from 1947 to 1962. Born December 17, 1908 at Columbus, Kansas, he attended the University of Tulsa, receiving a BA in Art and Education in 1936 and then an MA from the State University of Iowa in Art History and Painting in 1946. From 1931 to 1939, Albin taught in the Tulsa Public School System, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later, he was instructor and Associate Professor of Art from 1939 to 1947 at the University of Tulsa, where he created the Art History program. From 1947 to 1962, Albin was Professor of Art at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and chairman of the Humanities program from 1958 to 1962. He taught the history of art, integrated general education courses, and art criticism in addition to setting up and supervising the art slide and film library. Albin joined the faculty of Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, in 1962 and served as chairman of the Art Department until his retirement in 1974. In addition to his academic work, Edgar A. Albin wrote a weekly arts column from 1965 to 1986 for the Springfield Leader and Press. He also wrote numerous letters to the editor from 1972 to 1983, some of which he signed in his own name others with the pseudonym, "Ezra Kornscrabble". He also lectured at various universities, institutions, and conventions.