Morris W. Primoff papers concerning Thomas Hart Benton, 1950-1978

Primoff, Morris W., b. 1899 d. 1986
Lawyer
New York, N.Y.

Collection size: 20 items.

Collection Summary: Correspondence and printed material concerning Thomas Hart Benton.

Correspondence includes letters, 1950-1965, between Benton and Morris W. Primoff, of Primoff & Primoff, Counselors at Law. Letters concern the "Lewis family" gift of Benton's painting "Island Farm" to Morris W. Primoff; a Benton exhibition at the Gerst Gallery in New York; tax laws concnerning unsold works of art in artists' estates; a proposed book on Benton by Crown Publishers, Inc.; and Benton's expedition up the Missouri River following the trail of Lewis and Clark. Also included are a letter from Benton's wife Rita to Polly and Murray (Morris) Primoff thanking them for attending Benton's exhibition opening in New Britain, 1954; and a letter from Polly Burroughs concerning a book on Benton, 1978. Printed material includes the catalog "Thomas Hart Benton: A Giant in American Art", 1962, and newspaper clippings.

Biographical/Historical Note: Primoff: Attorney; New York, N.Y.; b. 1899; d. 1986; Benton: Painter, mural painter; New York, N.Y.; b. 1889; d. 1975.

Donated 2006 Barbara and L. Robert Primoff, daughter-in-law and son of Morris W. Primoff.

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