Ruth Vollmer papers, circa 1940-1980

Ruth Vollmer (1903-1982) was a German born sculptor based in New York City, New York. She was known for working with metal wire and mesh to create minimalist sculptures.

Ruth Vollmer was born Ruth Landshoff in Berlin, Germany, in 1903, to Jewish parents who were musicians and encouraged her artistic talents. Vollmer moved to New York City in 1935 with her husband, Hermann Vollmer, who was a pediatrician.

Vollmer began decorating windows for department stores and shops such as Bonwit Teller and Tiffany and Co., integrating small metal pieces into her designs. Later in her career, Vollmer took large commissions and taught classes at the Fieldston School's Children's Art Center.

Vollmer was acquainted with many important figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement and was an avid collector of art. She died in 1982.