Gage, Merrell, b. 1892 d. 1981

Merrell Gage papers, 1911-1982

0.6 linear ft.

Letters, writings, art work, photographs, clippings, and printed material regarding the career of sculptor and art teacher, Merrell Gage.

Among the letters are one from A.S. Baylinson regarding an event at the Robert Henri School of Art, 1912, two from Gutzon Borglum (one addressing Gage as "Bud"), 1916 and 1920, and one to Gage regarding Borglum, 1966. Writings include an essay by Gage "A Shrine to Democracy," 1938, and his two part memoir, "My Years with Gutzon Borglum," (Pt.1), and "Lincoln Monument, Kansas," (Pt.II) covering the years 1912-1923. He recounts his personal and professional relationship with Gutzon Borglum, his commission of a memorial to Abraham Lincoln in Topeka, Kansas, his teaching positions in Kansas, move to Conn. and later Santa Monica, Calif., and his later encounters with Borglum.

Art work consists of three pencil sketches of Borglum by Gage, ca. 1915.

The bulk of the photos (loose and in a scrapbook), ca. 1911-1962, are of Gage's sculptures, including portraits, monuments and memorials, architectural panels, and ecclesiastical subjects. One photograph shows Gage and fellow students at the Robert Henri School of Art, 1911, and several are of Gage posing with his sculptures.

A file regarding Gage's sculpture of Justice Sherman Minton includes photographs, a program from the dedication of the portrait, and clippings, ca. 1957. The printed material, ca. 1916-1940, including clippings and exhibition catalogs, is partially contained in a scrapbook.

Donated 1995 by Jean Gage, daughter of Merrell Gage.

Subjects:

• Borglum, Gutzon
• Gage, Merrell
• Lincoln Memorial (Washington, D.C.)
• Memoirs
• Minton, Sherman A.
• Photographs
• Robert Henri School of Art
• Sculptors
• Sculpture, American
• Sketches
• Works of art

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Also in the Archives:

• Oral history interview with Merrell Gage, 1964 May 27