Mason, Alice Trumbull, b. 1904 d. 1971

Alice Trumbull Mason papers, 1921-1977

1.3 linear ft. (on 4 microfilm reels)
Reel(s): N69-137, 629-630, and 3134

Correspondence; resumes; budget books; writings; sketches and sketchbooks; photographs; papers relating to American Abstract Artists; price lists; announcements; and catalogs.

The collection documents her career as a painter, particularly her role as one of the founders of the American Abstract Artists group, through biographical materials; correspondence with family, friends, fellow artists, art galleries, museums, and organizations; writings and notes, including notebooks of poetry and other creative writings; a small amount of printed material; photographs of Mason, friends, and her artwork; and original artwork, including five sketchbooks.

Biographical material consists of resumes, passports, exhibition files, as well as documentation of her membership and active participation in art organizations, including her work as an officer in the American Abstract Artists group. Also found here are scattered personal financial and legal records. Personal and professional correspondence is with family members, including many detailed letters between her and her husband Warwood, fellow artists, including Paul Kelpe, art organizations, curators, museums, galleries, and others. Professional correspondence generally discusses selection of exhibition and awards, sale of artwork, and art events. Writings and notes, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s, consist of Mason's notes on art history and her creative writings, including poetry and "abstract writing." Also found are a few writings about abstract art and various notes and lists.

Printed material includes news clippings on topics of interest to Mason, and other miscellaneous items such as brochures, and exhibition announcements. Photographs include several portraits of Mason with her artwork, photographs of friends including artist Ibram Lassaw, photographs of an American Abstract Artists exhibition, and artwork by her and others. Original artwork found in this collection includes five sketchbooks belonging to Mason, including two that document her travels through Greece and Italy, and other loose drawings.

A portion of the material donated by Alice Trumbull Mason in 1969 relating to her involvement with the American Abstract Artists was separated and filed with the American Abstract Artists records at the Archives of American Art. Files of news clippings and exhibition catalogs were transferred to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery Library after microfilming.

Photos on reel N69-137 donated 1969 by Alice Trumbull Mason; material on reels 629-630 and 3134 donated 1972-1977 by Emily Mason Kahn, daughter of Alice Trumbull Mason. American Abstract Artists records kept by Mason and donated by her have been cataloged with American Abstract Artists records.

How to Use this Collection

• Open for Research. Use of material not microfilmed requires an appointment.
• Microfilm reels N69-137, 629-630, and 3134 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
• Please read the Finding Aid for more detailed information on this collection.
• Selected images of documents in this collection are online.
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