Oral history interview with Blanchette F. H. Rockefeller, 1970 June 30-August 19

Collection Information

Size: 47 Pages, Transcript

Format: Originally recorded on 2 sound tape reels. Reformatted in 2010 as 2 digital wav files. Duration is 1 hr., 49 min. Sound quality is poor.

Summary: An interview of Blanchette F. H. Rockefeller conducted 1970 June 30-August 19, by Paul Cummings, for the Archives of American Art. She recalls her longtime involvement as a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, including her time as board president. She discusses issues such as funding, acqusitions, and exhibitions at MOMA, as well as the Junior Council and International Council. She recalls her education; interest in Asian art; involvement with postwar cultural exchanges in Japan, the Japan Society, Asia Society, China House, and Asia House, and association with artist Shigeharu Matsumoto. She discusses her involvement in Art for Embassies. She recalls her family, including husband John D. Rockefeller, and Nelson Rockefeller, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

Biographical/Historical Note

Blanchette Ferry Hooker Rockefeller (1909-1992) was an art collector and sponsor from New York City. She served as a Trustee and President of the Museum of Modern Art.

Provenance

This interview is part of the Archives' Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and others.

Language Note

English .

Funding

This interview received support from the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative Pool.