Anthony Thieme papers, 1909-1972

Scope and Contents

The papers of painter Anthony Thieme measure 1.0 linear feet and date from 1909 to 1972. The collection includes letters, notes and writings, photographs, business records, printed material, photographs, and a half-tone printing block of a work of art.

Letters are from Thieme during his time in Europe to his wife Becky (Lillian Beckett Thieme) regarding family matters, and to business associates concerning the sale and reproduction of his paintings and inventions, including a movie projector and a device for repairing torpedo damage to battleships. There are also letters from painter Hanny Bouman to "Aunt Becky," and letters to Lillian after Thieme's death regarding the sale and exhibition of his paintings.

Notes and writings are comprised of notes on watercolor painting, lists of Thieme's work owned by Mrs. Sally Fenelon Young, three address books, and lists of household chores. Also found are two typescript writings titled, "Must Sixty-five Always be the Deadline?" and "Majority Wins."

Business records contain shipment and exhibition records, price lists, correspondence with the J. J. Gillespie Company, receipts, and invoices.

Printed material includes clippings, a press release, exhibition catalogs, brochures from Thieme's New Summer School of Art, a blueprint of a section of Rockport, Massachusetts, and picture postcards.

Photographs are of Thieme, his family, and classes at the Thieme School of Art in Rockport.

The collection also includes a half-tone printing block of a work of art.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers of Anthony Thieme were donated in 1985 by Jane Goodwin, whose mother was Mrs. Thieme's friend. Goodwin initially obtained the collection from Harriet Chamberlain, who purchased the Thieme home in Florida where she found the papers.

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Jean Fitzgerald in 1989. A finding aid was written by Caroline Donadio in 2019.