Collections : [Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Primary Collecting Areas:
VMFA institutional records, Donor papers, Virginia Artists Archives, Oral histories, Artist subject files, Analog, and digital audiovisual collections
Description:

The Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library provides access to a wealth of rare and unique primary source materials for scholars, researchers, and the public.

The Archives consists of a diverse and growing collection of permanent materials, covering museum history from its beginnings in the 1930s until today. The Archives includes institutional records from over 25 museum departments, thousands of artist and subject files, as well as donated collections related to the museum and the history of art in Virginia. The Archives also recently launched the Virginia Artists Archives, a collecting initiative that aims to create a rich, diverse, and unprecedented collection of Virginia artists’ papers to increase awareness about the contributions of Virginia artists, both past and present.

POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Start Over Repository Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Date range 1948

W: General, 1945/1955 Box 33863 Box 71, Folder 20, Item RG01.01.1.3291

Correspondence from Mrs. J.G. Pollard, T. Colt. Priscilla Crum and L. Cheek. Subject- Segregation in children's art classes, Study of early 19th century architect and builder John Jordan. WRVA Radio weekly series of VMFA activities, Salon des Refuses' for artists eliminated from the Virginia Artists juried exhibition. World War II Memorial design competition, Artmobile, newspaper clippings, paintings from the Williams Collection and the Helena Woolworth McCann Collection of Export Collection. Exhibition catalog: "Eugene Wiesz". Photographs. Dates- 9/45 - 12/55 [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Whitman, Thelma Cudlipp, 1945/1953 Box 33863 Box 72, Folder 28, Item RG01.01.1.3332

Correspondence from Beatrice von Keller, T. Colt and L. Cheek. Subject- Organization of an exhibition of pre-Columbian sculpture, Catesby-Jones collection, Whitman Collection of Mayan Sculpture, Chrysler Collection accessions and exhibitions. Date- 8/45 - 5/53 [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

William Robert Gaines Personal Papers (SC-16), 1948/2008 0.5 Linear Feet 1 box; 5 folders

The collection documents the life of William "Bill" Robert Gaines, artist and long-time program director at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The collection is comprised of a partial manuscript of his autobiography as well as photographs, clippings, and other documents related to his career at the museum.
  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Williams, E. Randolph, 1935/1953 Box 33863 Box 73, Folder 3, Item RG01.01.1.3347

Correspondence between T.C. Colt, Jr., and Mr. E. Rand Williams. Subject- Trustee/Museum business, Rand served as Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairman 1937-8 and as first Vice-President in 1941, etc. Dates- 6/35-6/52. [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Williams, Mr. and Mrs. A.D., 1948/1952 Box 33863 Box 73, Folder 1, Item RG01.01.1.3344

Correspondence from L. Cheek and Mrs. J.G. Pollard. Subject- Williams Collection inventory, Williams purchase fund, statement concerning the informal agreement between L. Cheek and Mrs. A. D. Williams concerning installation of collection in the new wing. Selected inventory of furnishings in the Williams home. A.D. Williams as recipient of the Rhoads Medal, financial contributions, gifts and loans. Dates- 6/48 - 2/52 [These notes were taken by VMFA staff in the 1990s before the collection was processed by LVA staff in the 2000s, so the contents of the file may no longer match this description.]

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Director's Correspondence (RG-01), 1927/2009
  3. Series 1: Director's Correspondence, 1927/2006
  4. Series 1.1: Early Directors, 1927/1976

Willie Anne Wright Artist Archives (VA-02), 1944/2021 47 boxes 47 boxes; 724 folders

Wright, Willie Anne
The collection documents the career of renowned lensless photographer Willie Anne Wright. Wright's paintings, serigraphs and drawings were her professional focus until 1972 when pinhole photography became her primary creative medium. Comprised mainly of the exhibition files Wright maintained, as well as information about gallery representation and art sales, the collection traces the evolution of her artistic journey over four decades.
  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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