Nancy Douglas Bowditch papers, circa 1860-1985
Bowditch, Nancy Douglas,
b. 1890
d. 1979
Painter, Costume designer, Set designer, Playwright
Dublin, N.H.
Collection size: 6.2 linear feet
Collection Summary: The papers of painter, author, and designer Nancy Douglas Bowditch measure 3.9 linear feet and date from 1888 to 1979. The papers reflect Bowditch's relationship with her first husband William Robert Pearmain and her father George de Forest Brush, and other family members. The majority of the collection consists of Bowditch's correspondence with family and friends and her notes and writings, particularly concerning her father and her biography of him, "The Joyous Painter," and her unpublished biography of her husband. There is also correspondence between Pearmain and his family. Also found are scattered family and biographical materials and personal business records; artwork by William Robert Pearmain, Bowditch, and George de Forest Brush; printed materials; and photographs of family and works of art.
Biographical/Historical Note: Nancy Douglas Bowditch (1890-1975) was a painter, author of plays, and costume and set designer. Born in Paris, July 4, 1890, second eldest child of painter George de Forest Brush. Married William Robert Pearmain, 1909. Pearmain died of leukemia in 1912. She later married Dr. Harold Bowditch.
The Nancy Douglas Bowditch papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in several installments by Nancy Douglas Bowditch between 1968 and 1979. Bowditch's daughter, Mary A. Marlowe donated additional materials in 1982.
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Also in the Archives
- Oral history interview with Nancy Douglas Bowditch, 1974 Jan. 30
- Image Gallery items from other collections related to Bowditch, Nancy Douglas
