Skip to main content

Working notes, 1930-1986, undated , bulk: 1959-1986

 Sub-Series

Scope and Contents

The material in this subseries divides into two general groups. The first consists of papers now identified by subjects that describe Goodrich's research and format strategies, as well as his general analyses of Eakins works. For the latter, Goodrich created lists and charts that incorporated his numbering and coding systems for each catalog entry and reference, respectively. These are the same codes referenced in the "Master Catalog" files, but used here to examine Eakins' works collectively rather than individually. Also duplicated here are Goodrich's annotated copies of his 1933 catalog and additions to it, as well as notes concerning works not included in that edition. The "Agenda" folders, as identified by Goodrich, consist primarily of to-do checklists and notes. The various tasks included researching, writing, conferring, traveling and photocopying. Some notes are general comments ending with a query. From notations obviously made at a later date, many of the tasks and queries were acted upon, if not completely resolved. Many of the notes regarding research include bibliographic citations, library sources, and occasional call numbers. As indicated by the folder title and size, Edith Havens Goodrich performed a good deal of this library research for her husband. The "Exhibitions," "Illustrations," and "Publications" folders contain the analytical lists and chart described above. In the notes comprising the "Format" folders, Goodrich explains, sometimes in detail more complicated than clear, his criteria and strategies in selecting and recording exhibitions and published references as well as his ideas on the content and format for the catalog entries. While the exhibition and reference notes appear to be earlier versions of what he kept in the "Master Catalog" files, his notes on record keeping and format are not duplicated elsewhere in this series. He gives his most detailed description, however, of all the elements comprising a catalog entry in the enclosure to his December 20, 1985 letter to the Philadelphia Museum of Art regarding the transfer of his papers. That letter is in the "Correspondence" series. As to research methodology, Goodrich's notes from his 1933 study, which are part of that series, offer a thoughtful discussion of his strategies and sources.

The second group of material appears to be two earlier, but incomplete, versions of the "Master Catalog" files. Most of the papers are photocopies that were, according to the dates noted on the original folders, compiled at two different times--the mid- to late 1970s and 1983-1984. The earlier set also includes material not included in the "Master Catalog" files, namely, a set of carbon copies dated 1976 regarding Eakins's "Juvenilia" drawings. In these manuscripts, Goodrich includes a brief physical description, provenance, and occasional subject background. In addition to photocopies and carbons, some files contain original correspondence, notes, clippings, ephemera and photographs.

Dates

  • 1930-1986, undated
  • Majority of material found within 1959-1986

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research, and it is stored in the American Art Department. For access and general inquiries about this collection, please contact the American Art Department at amartinfo@philamuseum.org.

Extent

From the Series: 12.5 linear feet

Arrangement

Subject files are alphabetical. Some correspondence originally filed in an "Agenda" folder was apparently placed there only for refiling purposes. Those papers, noted with corresponding catalog entry numbers, have been transferred to the appropriate folder in the "Research" subseries. Any material, particularly items dated 1985-1986, containing information that has not been noted in Goodrich's master catalog files, has been transferred to the Research subseries in folders entitled "Unrecorded research."

In the second group of files, the 1970s material precedes that of the 1980s. Within each dated set, by format: originals; photocopies; and carbons. Within each format subset, material is arranged in the numerical order of the catalog entries. Photocopies of original folder labeling are included at the end of each subset. Because of the bulk of papers, the original grouping of certain sets has been further divided.

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