Correspondence, 1927-1975, bulk: 1937-1974
Scope and Contents
Most of this correspondence dates from the late 1930s to the early 1970s and reflects McIlhenny's extensive circle of friends and acquaintances that developed from his interest in the arts, travel and horticulture, and his busy lifestyle as curator, collector, host-extraordinaire, patron and adviser. Even during the years of World War II and his tenure in the Naval Reserve, McIlhenny continued to pursue his many interests, thanks in large part to the apparently dedicated staff he had in Philadelphia as well as at Glenveagh. Among his correspondents are noted art historians and long-time acquaintances, Paul Sachs and Arthur Upham Pope, the musical director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy, as well as Hollywood legends, first ladies, duchesses and kings.
The two sub-subseries reflect how McIlhenny generally divided his time--conducting business and entertaining in Philadelphia, and living the life of a country gent in Ireland.
Dates
- 1927-1975
- Majority of material found within 1937-1974
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research but certain insurance and personal information, conservation reports, and appraisals are restricted. Excerpts of restricted material may be made available at the discretion of the Archivist.
Extent
From the Series: 12.5 linear feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: McIlhenny, Henry P. (Creator, Person)
- From the Collection: McIlhenny, Frances Galbraith Plumer, 1869-1943 (Creator, Person)
- From the Collection: McIlhenny, John D. (John Dexter), 1865-1925 (Creator, Person)
- From the Collection: Wintersteen, Bernice McIlhenny (Creator, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives Repository
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia PA 19101-7646 United States
archives@philamuseum.org