Downs, Joseph, 1895-1954

Abstract

The earliest Decorative Arts Department Records consist of the correspondence of Museum Committee member Alfred Coxe Prime. The other series document the work of curatorial staff; namely, Joseph Downs, Henry P. McIlhenny, Joan Prentice, and Calvin Hathaway, who each headed the department, respectively, from 1925 to 1973. Material consists of correspondence, subject files, research and exhibition records.

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: The bulk of material in this subseries is internal correspondence, most often between Kimball and the particular staff member. Advisers are also represented. Additional correspondence between curatorial personnel and individuals or organizations outside the museum remains in the "General correspondence and related material" series. The "Administrative issues" series, "Personnel" subseries contains Kimball's correspondence with curator/assistant director Henri Marceau as well as any...