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Art collections, 1926-1954, undated

 Sub-Series

Scope and Contents

The collections processed here include objects from more than one of the handbook categories. The one example, which comprises most of the material in this subseries, is the art collection of Walter and Louise Stevens Arensberg, who collected modern as well as pre-Columbian art. Their collection files consist mostly of correspondence documenting Kimball's untiring efforts to bring the art pieces to the museum. The papers also chronicle the development of a sincere friendship between the Arensbergs and Kimball and his wife Marie. Letters from all four are included, and almost a decade's worth of coast-to-coast writing and traveling are represented. Documentation of the collection's installation and promotion are also included. The construction of the galleries designed specifically for the Arensberg's collection is documented in the "Administrative issues" series, "Subjects" subseries, "Construction projects" sub-subseries. Other collections with significant documentation are that of Edmond Foulc and W.P. Wilstach. The latter was another collection gifted to the City rather than the museum.

Dates

  • 1926-1954, undated

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research. Because of its fragile condition, the following item may only be consulted with permission of the Archivist: floor plan with annotations of PMA Gothic installations (in "Objects and related topics" series, "European decorative arts and arms and armor" subseries, "Rooms and architectural elements" sub-subseries, "England. Gothic installations at PMA, incl. Abergavenny, Wales" file).

Extent

From the Series: 23 linear feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Arrangement

Alphabetical, by collector's name.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives Repository

Contact:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia PA 19101-7646 United States