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Archives of American Art
A Finding Aid to the Agnes Mills Papers, 1948-1999, bulk 1974-1993, in the Archives of American Art
Summary
- Collection ID:
- AAA.millagne
- Creators:
-
Mills, Agnes, 1915-2008
- Dates:
-
1948-1999bulk 1974-1993
- Languages:
-
The collection is in English.
- Physical Description:
-
1.1 Linear feet
- Repository:
The papers of painter, printmaker and sculptor Agnes Mills measure 1.1 linear feet and date from 1948 to 1999, with the bulk of the material from 1974 to 1993. Her enduring interest in dance theatre is demonstrated in the papers. Reminiscences of her time in the WPA, artist statements, sketchbooks, and a bound compilation of publicity, biographical notes, and images of artwork provide an overview of her professional accomplishments. The collection also includes curricula vitae; correspondence; writings by and about the artist; price lists and inventories; articles, news clippings, press releases and exhibition announcements; original artwork; and photographs of both the artist and her work.
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
The papers of painter, printmaker and sculptor Agnes Mills measure 1.1 linear feet and date from 1948 to 1999, with the bulk of the material from 1974 to 1993. Her enduring interest in dance theatre is demonstrated in the papers. Reminiscences of her time in the WPA, artist statements, sketchbooks, and a bound compilation of publicity, biographical notes, and images of artwork provide an overview of her professional accomplishments. The collection also includes curricula vitae; correspondence; writings by and about Mills; price lists and inventories; articles, news clippings, press releases and exhibition announcements; original artwork; and photographs of Mills and her work.
Arrangement
Arrangement
The collection is arranged as 8 series.
- Series 1: Biographical Materials, 1982-1990 (Box 1; 0.1 linear feet)
- Series 2: Correspondence, 1974-1999 (Box 1; 0.1 linear feet)
- Series 3: Writings, circa 1980s-1990 (Box 1; 0.1 linear feet)
- Series 4: Personal Business Records, 1981-1993 (Box 1; 0.1 linear feet)
- Series 5: Printed Material, 1948-1993 (Box 1; 0.2 linear feet)
- Series 6: Artwork, circa 1950s-1990s (Box 1, OV2; 0.2 linear feef)
- Series 7: Sketchbooks, circa 1974-circa 1993 (Box 1; 0.1 linear feet)
- Series 8: Photographs, circa 1948-1993 (Box 1; 0.2 linear feet)
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
Agnes Mills (1915-2008) was a painter, printmaker and sculptor who specialized in dance subjects. She worked in the Long Island/New York City area for most of her career, eventually moving to Florida.
Mills was a graduate of Pratt Institute and Cooper Union Art School and worked for the WPA artist project early in her career. For 25 years she served as resident artist for the Alwin Nikolais Dance Company, and several other dance companies hired her to sketch their rehearsals.
Administration
Author
Rachel Salzmann
Processing Information
This collection was processed to a minimal level and a finding aid prepared in 2014 by Rachel Salzmann. The Archives of American Art has implemented minimal processing tactics when possible in order to increase information about and access to more of our collections.
Minimal processing included arrangement to the series and folder levels. Generally, items within folders were simply verified with folder titles, but not arranged further. Folders within boxes were not numbered. The collection was rehoused in archival containers and folders, but not all staples and clips were removed.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by the artist's daughter, Margret Mills-Thysen, on October 17, 2013.
Using the Collection
Preferred Citation
Agnes Mills papers, 1948-1999, bulk 1974-1993. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Conditions Governing Use
Original works of art: Authorization to quote or reproduce for purposes of publication requires written permission from Margret Mills-Thysen. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Terms of Use
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Conditions Governing Access
Use of original material requires an appointment.
Keywords
| Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Printmakers -- Florida | Occupation | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Printmakers -- New York (State) | Occupation | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Painters -- New York (State) | Occupation | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Prints | Genre Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Dance | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Painters -- Florida | Occupation | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Sketchbooks | Genre Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Sculptors -- New York (State) | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Sculptors -- Florida | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Women artists | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| United States. Works Progress Administration | Corporate Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Archives of American Art
750 9th Street, NW
Victor Building, Suite 2200
Washington, D.C. 20001
Business Number: Phone: 202-633-7950
https://www.aaa.si.edu/services/questions
