David Herbert papers, circa 1909-1996, bulk 1945-1995

Records relating to the operation of the David Herbert Gallery, and to Herbert's business activities as a dealer before and after his gallery closed in 1962, are somewhat interwoven. They include lists of artwork consigned to and from Herbert; Herbert's business plans, stated objectives, and projected and actual sales for individual artists spanning several years; records of consignments, sales, and loans; and draft contracts, possibly used in drawing up agreements with Douglas McKelvy, Richard Feigen, Stewart Neill Gallery, and others. There is also a series of financial statements from the David Herbert Gallery comprising the contents of a binder with numerically arranged statements recording artwork sold, payments, and totals due to the artist and/or gallery.

Records relating to Betty Parsons Gallery comprise a cash book labeled "Betty Parsons Gallery Sales," noting sales information for 1952-1953. The bulk of the book, however, appears to document sales which Herbert recorded for Sidney Janis Gallery, as figures extend from 1953-1959. The book also notes client names and addresses, exhibition schedules from 1953-1958, and other gallery expenses. The Betty Parsons Gallery material includes transcripts of a 1951 radio interview with Parsons, and a 1952 panel discussion in which Parsons defends the controversial art she exhibited in her gallery.

Sales records for Graham Gallery include name and address of purchaser, title and description of artwork, purchase price, and purchase order number. Commissions are recorded in the form of handwritten lists with artist names, prices, and commission percentages, and primarily document commissions from the Graham Gallery, including gallery check stubs recording transactions.

Also found is the 1959 memorandum of understanding between Herbert and Douglas McKelvy, and related documentation, including a letter stating McKelvy's decision to withdraw from the partnership in 1962; records of two appraisals done by Herbert for Robert V. Cosel, Jr., and Mrs. George Darr; a handwritten list of items in the "David Herbert Collection;" and a draft of a will in which Herbert bequeathed his personal art collection and other possessions to Jaime Andrade.