Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Adler, Blanche, 1877-1941
| title | Papers of William J. Collins, 1902-1958. | repository | Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute |
| description | William J. Collins was brought on as the first curator of prints and drawings in 1958. He had been the head, since 1939, of the Department of Prints at Knoedler & Co. in New York City, where the Clarks purchased many of their artworks. Collins passed away unexpectedly in 1960. This collection consists of a number of different types of items. A three-ring binder documents sales of prints, drawings, and etchings to such major early-20th century collectors as Henry Clay Frick, Andrew W. Mellon, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Joseph Widener, and Blanche Adler. Sales date back as early as 1902, so the binder probably belonged to Collins's predecessor at Knoedler's, Norman F. Wells, or perhaps even Wells's predecessor. Collins kept a number of loose letters and ephemera stored inside its covers. There is also a small bound leather book divided into alphabetically tabbed sections. Most of the pages are blank, but some contain more lists in the same handwriting as the binder. They may also be prints and drawings bought or sold by Knoedler, but the annotations use abbreviations and numbers that are indecipherable. An A-Z accordion file contained items relating to both the life and work of Collins, including a letter to his father composed after his brother was killed in battle during World War I; a letter from RSC, along with Collins's responses, regarding some prints RSC was hoping to buy; photographs of works Collins was buying or selling; ephemera relating to art shows; and other correspondence. A black spring binder contains notebook pages with writing in pencil. There are passages that relate to the Bible and to art history. There is some translation from German. There is nothing conclusively identifying this object with Collins and its purpose remains unclear. The remaining items were found in Collins's room at the Williams Inn after he died. These include catalogs and other publications; several small oil paintings perhaps done by Collins; ephemera such as his credit card and Catholic holy cards; and additional correspondence and documents. One folder of materials is labeled James F. Drake, Inc. and contains correspondence between Collins and the rare book dealer regarding obtaining a number of art books for the Clark. |
| extent | .8 linear ft. |
| formats | Photographs Correspondence Ephemera Inventories Financial Records |
| access | Contact the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Library for further details. |
| record source | http://cdm16245.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ |
| finding aid | Available online and at the repository (Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Library). |
| acquisition information | The binder and the book were acquisitioned in early 2007 after being removed from a collection of items that eventually made up the Realia and the Personal series of the Sterling and Francine Clark Papers. The A to Z file and personal items were accessioned in October 2007, along with records pertaining to the Prints and Drawings Collection. |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:29:58 |
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| title | Blanche Adler | repository | Baltimore Museum of Art |
| description | The folder may include announcements, clippings, press releases, brochures, reviews, invitations, small exhibition catalogs, and other ephemeral material. |
| extent | 1 folder |
| formats | Subject Files |
| access | Ask a Librarian for this vertical file. |
| record source | http://www.worldcat.org/ |
| updated | 11/12/2014 11:30:16 |
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