Stephen Radich Gallery records, 1942-1979

Collection Information

Size: 8.2 Linear feet

Summary: The records of Stephen Radich Gallery measure 8.2 linear feet and date from 1942 to 1979. The collection comprises administrative files documenting the New York gallery's daily activities and seven exhibitions; correspondence with museums, galleries, and arts organizations and publications; artist's files for Peter Agostini, Ethel Edwards, Xavier Gonzalez, Dimitri Hadzi, Will Horwitt, Matsumi Kanemitsu, Marc Morrel, George Sugarman, and others; financial and sales records that include check registers, consignment records, price lists, sales invoices, and shipping records; and exhibition announcements and catalogs, booklets, and clippings in printed materials. Material created by the Martin Widdifield Gallery can be found throughout the collection, particularly material dated before 1960.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Stephen Radich Gallery was owned by Stephen Radich (1922-2007) and located in New York, N.Y. Radich was the director of the Martin Widdifield Gallery on 818 Madison Ave. in 1959. In 1960, he purchased the lease on the gallery building and changed the name to the Stephen Radich Gallery. The gallery represented artists George Sugarman, Dimitri Hadzi, Ethel Edwards, Yayoi Kusama, and Xavier Gonzalez among others. In 1966, the gallery held an exhibition of artwork by Marc Morrel who incorporated the American flag in his sculpture as a means to protest the Vietnam War. The artworks, as well as the gallery, attracted the attention of police resulting in a lawsuit and conviction against Radich. Eventually Radich's conviction was overturned by a federal court in 1974. The gallery closed in 1969.

Provenance

The Stephen Radich Gallery records were donated from 1979 to 1980 by Stephen Radich.

Related Materials

Also found at the Archives of American Art is an oral history interview with Stephen Radich conducted February 18-29, 1972 by Paul Cummings for the Archives of American Art.

Language Note

English .

Funding

Funding for the processing of this collection was provided by the Smithsonian Women's Committee.