Ellen Lanyon papers, circa 1880-2015, bulk 1926-2013

Writings found here by type or topic include art education, articles written for publication, autobiographical writing, dreams, an illustrated story, invite lists, memorials, notes, poetry, questionnaires, statements, Lanyon's MFA thesis, writings about others, and writings by others. Content relates to Lanyon's work, influences and inspirations, her career, her experience as a woman artist, printmaking, collaboration, and the work of other artists. Notes include jottings, lists, fragments, and drafts pertaining to travel, exhibitions, contacts, schedules, plans, and business matters. Writings by others are primarily essays written about Lanyon and her work. One sound cassette contains a personal recording made by Lanyon at Yaddo.

Lectures and presentations are sound recordings, video recordings, and Power Point presentations by Lanyon and others. Lectures and presentations share Lanyon's thoughts about her artwork, career, and philosophy, and were delivered at various colleges, universities, and other venues across the country. Lanyon also saved recordings of lectures given by artists at Cooper Union and other locations. Some folders contain both the original recording and a copy on electronic disc. Lectures and presentations are on twenty-nine sound cassettes, one videocassette (VHS), or in digital formatelectronic discs (CD and DVD).

Thirty-seven notebooks contain reminders, reflections, impressions, lists, contacts, travel plans, drawings, schedules, logistical details, business affairs, lectures notes, drafts, and the occasional diary entry. Several loose items such as clippings, correspondence, and other writings have been tucked into some notebook pages. A few notebooks have titles that relate to specific topics, but most were used interchangeably for multiple purposes.