Charles and Leta English Hess papers, 1895-1987

Hess, Leta English, b. 1921 d. 1986
Painter, Art teacher
Calif.

Collection size: 1.9. linear ft. (on 1 microfilm reel)
Addition: 0.2 linear ft.

Collection Summary: Biographical material, correspondence, photographs, writings, and a scrapbook document the Hess family and the painting and teaching careers of Leta English Hess and her husband Charles Hess.

REEL 4386: Ten letters from Stanton Macdonald-Wright to Charles Hess (1954-1965) comment on the relationship between patrons and artists, the 1956 Paris art scene, contemporary art criticism, the art market, and his break with the Duveen Graham Gallery.

UNMICROFILMED: Biographical materials (1921-1986) include birth and death certificates, documents pertaining to Leta Hess' father Joe English, a memoir written by her mother, Mae Serrano English (1975), diplomas, teaching certificates, awards, resumes, and her diary (1935-1939). Correspondence consists of letters received (ca. 1940-1980); files for individual correspondents, including Alan Bayles, Charles Hess, Leta's son Chuck Hess, Mimi Lawrence, and Frank Rivera; and files for the Corcoran Biennial Exhibitions (1956-1961) and the Leta and Charles Hess Retrospective Exhibition (1983-1986).

Photographs show Leta Hess (1920s, 1940s), her paintings and exhibition installations (ca. 1942-1985), and family members, including Joe and Mae Serrano English, Charles Hess, and their children (1950s-1980s). Writings by Leta Hess include term papers, a statement of intent for her Master of Arts degree (1954), notes on painting (1960, 1975-1986), some written jointly with Charles Hess, and lecture notes (ca. 1953-1964). A scrapbook pertaining to her art and teaching contains a curriculum vitae, a 2 p. essay on painting, clippings of reviews, exhibition announcments, photographs of exhibitions, and copies of letters concerning awards and exhibitions.

ADDITION: Slides of Hess' work, catalogs, and a 4 p. resume.

Biographical/Historical Note: Painters, art instructor; California.

Donated 1990 and 1997 by Charles Hess.

How to Use this Collection

• Microfilm reel 4386 available for use at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
• Microfilmed portion must be consulted on microfilm. Use of unmicrofilmed portion requires an appointment and is limited to Washington, D.C. storage facility.
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