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Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Benjamin L. Wigfall Artist Archives and Mary Carter Wigfall Personal Papers

21.875 Linear Feet 50 boxes; 63 folders
The collection documents the life and work of Benjamin L. Wigfall, African American abstract expressionist artist. Benjamin L. Wigfall was the second African American artist to have a painting aquired by the VMFA, as well as the youngest ever artist to do the same. In addition to his work as an artist, Wigfall also taught and mentored in both Virginia at Hampton Institute, as well as New York at SUNY New Paltz and in his own community. Additionally, the collection contains documents related to the life and career of artist and educator, Mary Carter Wigfall, Benjamin L. Wigfall's wife. Mary C. Wigfall founded and directed the Migrant Childcare Center in New York from the early 1970s until her retirement in 1992.
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Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

MacMillan Albums

3 Item

This collection consists of three scrapbooks with contents compiled by Mary MacMillan and her son Charles MacMillan. The first contains scenes from a trip to Ireland, containing Mary MacMillan's pencil sketches of scenes and prints of Ireland mostly by James Howard Burgess. The second contains poetry and calligraphy from Mary MacMillan and others as well as collections of dried and pressed marine marine algae or seaweed, watercolors sketches and cartoons. The third consists of mica paintings made in India for British tourists, and were most likely collected by Mary's son Charles.

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Ireland sketchbook 1 Item Box 1, Folder 1

This scrapbook contains a mixture of prints and sketches mostly of places in Ireland. One half of the book consists of pencil sketches and one watercolor by Mary MacMillan. Most of the engraving prints, including one of Edinburgh, Scotland, are by artist James Howard Burgess (J. H. Burgess). Also included are two newspaper cutouts not pasted, likely collected for the print art.

Mary MacMillan's commonplace book 1 Item Box 1, Folder 2

This scrapbook contains poetry and art created and compiled by Mary MacMillan. The poetry was written by Mary and others. The most common theme throughout the poetry is grieving or mourning death. The scrapbook has pencil sketches, watercolors, and cartoons from others and some calligraphy by Mary. Other contents include a few pieces of pressed and dried seaweed or marine algae and a miniature piece of sheet music with hand drawn musical notes.

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