1. Search and Browse Collections
  2. Romare Bearden papers, 1937-1982
  3. Series 2: Correspondence, 1944-1981

Romare Bearden papers, 1937-1982

Creator

Occupation

Make a Request

  • To request an appointment to view materials, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reading Room" button. Please note, you will receive the full box.
  • To request reproductions, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reproduction" button.
Select containers from the following list if you want to request them for reading room use or reproduction

Series 2: Correspondence, 1944-1981
0.8 Linear feet
Boxes 1-2

Letters to and from Bearden with family, friends, artists, galleries, museums, publishers, universities, arts associations, and colleagues primarily concerning gallery space, exhibitions, sales of artwork, publishing, and arts events. Also found are numerous letters referring to African-American art movements of the 1960s and 1970s, including exhibitions, publications, and associations, and scattered letters of a more personal nature. Many of the letters are illustrated with Bearden's doodlings and drawings. Although most of the letters are from galleries, museums, publishers, and arts associations, scattered letters from Charles Alston, Ad Reinhardt, Carl Holty, and Sam Middleton are found, as well as a 1946 letter from Samuel Kootz Gallery agreeing to be the sole representative of Bearden for a two year period. There are a few letters from Jacob Lawrence, including a 1971 letter stating that Bearden's exhibition brings "back memories of 33 West 125th Street....which as is so offtimes true - turn out to be times we treasure greatly". Lawrence is referring to a studio building on West 125th where Bearden also had a studio in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In addition, there are letters from the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, and letters concerning its founding. There is also a 1970 Guggenheim award letter for a fellowship to develop and write "A History of Afro-American Artists".
Description Container Select
Correspondence, undated
1
2
Correspondence, 1944-1950
1
3
Correspondence, 1957-1960
1
4
Correspondence, 1961-1966
1
5
Correspondence, 1967
1
6
Correspondence, 1967
1
7
Correspondence, 1968 January-May
1
8
Correspondence, 1968 June-July
1
9
Correspondence, 1968 August
1
10
Correspondence, 1968 September
1
11
Correspondence, 1968 October-December
1
12
Correspondence, 1969
1
13
Correspondence, 1970 January-May
1
14
Correspondence, 1970 June-December
1
15
Correspondence, 1971
1
16
Correspondence, 1972 January-February
1
17
Correspondence, 1972 March-April
1
18
Correspondence, 1972 April-May
1
19
Correspondence, 1972 June-August
1
20
Correspondence, 1972 September
1
21
Correspondence, 1972 October
2
1
Correspondence, 1972 November-December
2
2
Correspondence, 1973 January-March
2
3
Correspondence, 1973 April-May
2
4
Correspondence, 1973 June-September
2
5
Correspondence, 1973 October-December
2
6
Correspondence, 1974 January-February
2
7
Correspondence, 1974 March-April
2
8
Correspondence, 1974 May-June
2
9
Correspondence, 1974 July-December
2
10
Correspondence, 1975 January-March
2
11
Correspondence, 1975
2
12
Correspondence, 1976
2
13
Correspondence, 1977 January-March
2
14
Correspondence, 1977 April-August
2
15
Correspondence, 1977 September-December
2
16
Correspondence, 1977 September-December
2
17
Correspondence, 1979-1981
2
18

Make a Request

  • To request an appointment to view materials, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reading Room" button. Please note, you will receive the full box.
  • To request reproductions, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reproduction" button.