Eliot Elisofon Field collection
30000 Slides (photographs) (color)
80,000 Photographic prints (b&w, 25 x 20 cm. or smaller.)
This collection is comprised of photographic and manuscript materials, primarily created by Eliot Elisofon to document his travels and work. The images portray many aspects of African life and culture including agriculture, wildlife, archaeology, architecture, art and artisans, children, cityscapes and landscapes, leaders, markets, medicine, recreation, ritual and celebration, and transportation. The manuscript materials include correspondence, essays, clippings, puobligations, notes, research, and itineraries.
Charles Sheeler papers
bulk 1923-1965
The papers of painter, photographer, lithographer and industrial designer Charles Sheeler measure 4.9 linear feet and date from circa 1840s to 1966, with the bulk of the material dating from 1923-1965. The collection documents Sheeler's family, personal life and career through financial and medical records, awards, correspondence, writings, an autobiography, journal and notebooks, scrapbooks, exhibition catalogs and announcements, printed materials, photographs, funeral records and artwork by Sheeler and others. The collection is particularly rich in Sheeler's writings, and also includes Sheeler's industrial designs and manufactured artwork. Notable photographs include Sheeler with Edward Weston, Edward Steichen, and John Marin.
Records
These records contain correspondence, memoranda, and related material concerning the administration of bureaus listed above, as well as material concerning relationships with other Smithsonian offices. Also included are some files from Blitzer's previous position as Director of the Office of Education and Training.
Balcomb and Gertrude Greene papers
The Balcomb and Gertrude Greene papers, circa 1880s-2009, bulk circa 1905-1990, measure 9.8 linear feet. Balcomb Greene's career as a painter, educator, and writer - and to a lesser extent his personal life - is documented by biographical material, letters, subject files,writings, artwork, audio-visual recordings, printed material, and photographs. Documentation about sculptor Gertrude Greene, from 1926 until her death in 1956, consists of printed material, photographs, two letters to her, and a brief handwritten list of paintings and constructions.
Alexander Archipenko papers
bulk 1930-1964
The Alexander Archipenko papers measure 19.5 linear feet and date from 1904 to 1986, with the bulk of materials dating from 1930 to 1964. The sculptor's personal and professional life is documented by correspondence, financial records, scrapbooks, printed matter, and photographs documenting his art, exhibitions, travel, teaching activities, and the Archipenko Art School. Archipenko wrote and lectured extensively about his philosophies of art and the relationship between art and nature. The papers include drafts, notes, and final manuscripts of published and unpublished writings, and notes, outlines, transcripts, and audio recordings of some of his lectures.
Photographs
These images document dignitaries and other visitors, special events, and construction of both the Freer and Sackler galleries. Images dated prior to 1979 were reproduced either from old negatives or copied directly from old photographs. Files were created and maintained by Richard Louie, Assistant Director, Administrative Division (1978-1988) and Associate Director (1989-1990). Materials …
Records
These records document, for the most part, the Department under the administration of Calvin S. Hathaway, Curator, 1946-1951, and Director, 1951-1963. Included is correspondence of Hathaway with members of the exhibition staff and with collectors and institutions concerning the exhibits in the museum; exhibit files, arranged alphabetically by exhibition titles and including …
Perls Galleries records
The records of the Perls Galleries measure 79.6 linear feet and date from 1937 to 1997. Founded by Klaus Perls in 1937 and operating until 1997, the gallery dealt primarily in modern French art and the artwork of Alexander Calder. Found within the records are extensive correspondence (circa 44 linear feet) with artists, dealers, galleries, museums, and collectors; photographs and negatives of inventory and other artwork; exhibition files, scattered financial records; and exhibition catalogs and clippings.
Exhibition Proposals
This accession consists of declined exhibition proposals received from artists, photographers, museums, cultural institutions, and other external organizations. A few proposals were initially accepted before being cancelled or withdrawn. Materials include proposals, correspondence, brochures, object lists, object images, catalogs, books, and related materials. Some materials are in electronic format.
William Ian Brinkworth collection
637 Photographic prints (black and white.)
179 Transparencies (color ;, 35mm.)
8 Volumes (Books and magazines)
65 Manuscripts (document genre)
7 Sound recordings
William Ian Brinkworth's collection, dated from 1901 to 1991, includes an extensive number of black and white photographs, negatives, color transparencies, books, audio tapes, manuscripts, and research materials. The manuscripts include Brinkworth's book drafts, film treatments, correspondence, historical documents, legal documents, journals and magazines in which his work was published.
