Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Friedsam, Michael, 1860?-1931
| title | William Henry Fox records, 1913-33 (bulk), 1908-35 (inclusive). | repository | The Brooklyn Museum Libraries and Archives |
| description | The records of William Henry Fox's administration document all activities of the Museum and include correspondence with artists, donors, lenders, and vendors; Board of Trustees and Governing Committee members; New York City agencies, particularly the Parks Department; Museum staff; and staff of other museums and cultural institutions. The activities of the curatorial departments can be tracked through files on the individual curators and departments. These files often contain letters reporting on collecting expeditions, information that may not be available elsewhere. In addition, the files document everyday activities, from routine memos to requisitions for works of art. Among the most important curatorial correspondents are Stewart Culin and Herbert Spinden (Ethnology); William Henry Goodyear, Herbert Tschudy, and Andre Rueff (Fine Arts, Paintings); George P. Engelhardt and Robert C. Murphy (Natural History); Elizabeth Haynes (Decorative Arts); Susan Hutchinson (Library ? and Tassilo Adam (Oriental Art). Donor correspondence documents the offer and acquisition (or rejection) of objects as diverse as a small curiosity or a major art collection. Bequest files also contain valuable acquisitions information. The provenance of objects in the collection can often be traced through these files. Among the donors and artists found in the files are Edwin H. Blashfield, Charles Caryl Coleman, M.D.C. Crawford, Frank Crowninshield, Katherine and Dorothea Dreier, Michael Friedsam, Emil Fuchs, Albert E. Gallatin, Samuel E. Haslett, A. Augustus Healy, Paul Helleu, William H. Herriman, Alfred W. Jenkins, Joseph Pennell, Dick S. Ramsay, Augusta Saint-Gaudens, Louis Sparre, Joseph Stella, Theodora Wilbour, and Claggett Wilson. Correspondence with Trustees also provides valuable insights into administrative matters, collecting policy, and Museum activities. Several Trustees, including Frank L. Babbott, Edward C. Blum, A. Augustus Healy, Adolph Lewisohn, Luke V. Lockwood, John Hill Morgan, and Caroline A. L. Pratt took a very active interest in the day-to-day activities of the Museum and generated a significant amount of correspondence. During Fox's administration, a number of exhibition series were established, among them the biennials "Water Color Paintings by American Artists," beginning in 1921, and "Paintings, Sculpture & Drawings by American & Foreign Artists," beginning in 1928. The Museum also hosted the annual exhibitions of the Brooklyn Society of Etchers from 1915, The Brooklyn Society of Miniature Painters from 1916, and the Brooklyn Society of Artists from 1922. The Director's files provide important adjunct material to the primary exhibition documentation, which appears in curatorial files. Of particular significance are exhibition files that document Fox's organization of circulating loan shows of contemporary art and decorative arts. Fox acted as curator for many shows, often assisted by art critic Christian Brinton. The files include correspondence and lists compiled during trips to Europe to visit museums and artists, select works, and arrange loans; efforts to arrange venues; administration; and critical reaction. In addition, several important exhibitions organized by outside groups were held at the Museum. Among these, the Société Anonyme's "International Exhibition of Modern Art" (1925-27), the "International Exhibition Organized by the Carnegie Institute" (1928), and the American Union of Decorative Artists and Craftsmen (AUDAC) exhibition (1931), are of particular significance. Circulating exhibitions from the American Federation of Arts also appeared at the Museum. While the depth of information seen above does not exist in these files, they do provide critical material not found elsewhere. Bio/History: The son of Daniel M. Fox, lawyer and mayor of Philadelphia, William Henry Fox received academic (1881) and law (1883) degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He also studied studio art and drew and painted as an amateur. In 1904, Fox served as Secretary of the Fine Arts Department of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, and the following year became the first Director of the John Herron Art Institute, Indianapolis. In 1910, he served as Secretary General of the American Section of the International Exposition of Art and History in Rome. Location: Brooklyn Archives Call Number: DIR: WHF |
| extent | 15.25 linear ft. plus. 1.25 linear ft. oversize materials plus. .5 linear ft photographs. |
| formats | Administrative Records Correspondence Exhibition Files Notes Ephemera |
| access | Some folders may be restricted. Consult archivist for details. |
| record source | https://library.nyarc.org/permalink/01NYA_INST/ai54l4/alma991004036929707141 |
| finding aid | Unpublished finding aid available in repository. Folder-level descriptions available on-line in repository. Contemporaneous card index available in repository. |
| acquisition information | These files were held by the Registrar's Office until accessioned by the Archives. |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:29:51 |
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| title | B. Altman & Co., Records, 1876-1955 (bulk 1881-1933). | repository | The New-York Historical Society |
| description | Correspondence, record books, receipts, bills, checks, legal records, estate records, clippings, certificates, invitations, medals, and other materials related to the B. Altman & Co. department store (1876-1955, bulk 1881-1933). Most of the material pertains to President Michael Friedsam or employee records. In addition to the firm, the Friedsam material also concerns associations and clubs, charitable organizations, stocks and bonds, and his art collection. The volumes of employee records includes name, dates of employment, residence, and, in some cases, remarks by superiors, references, or amendments added after the employee left the company. Financial records concern auction sales, real estate and charity receipts, charitable contributions, municipal bills, and bonds. Legal records include a trial transcript of Weitsman v. B. Altman & Co., a case of malicious prosecution, and copyright and trademark certificates of registration. Material related to the estate of Benjamin Altman pertains to his real estate and financial holdings as well as his philanthropic bequests. Other material includes a report on shopping habits, electrical equipment and inspection certificates, and four commemorative medals. Historical Note: Department store founded in 1865 by Benjamin Altman. Upon Altman's death, Michael Friedsam succeeded him as president of the company in 1913 and served until his death in 1931. Location New-York Historical Society Collection Mss Collection Call Number B. Altman & Co. Records |
| extent | 3.5 linear ft. (2 boxes, 18 volumes) |
| formats | Business Records Correspondence Financial Records Clippings Estate Papers |
| access | Open to qualified researchers at The New-York Historical Society |
| record link | http://dlib.nyu.edu/eadapp/transform?source=nyhs/baltman.xml&style=nyhs/nyhs.xsl |
| record source | http://www.bobcat.nyu.edu |
| finding aid | Finding aid available online and in repository |
| acquisition information | Purchased at auction, 1990. |
| updated | 11/12/2014 11:29:51 |
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