William Ehrich papers, circa 1918-1975

Collection Information

Size: 0.9 linear feet

Summary: Biographical material, research files, financial records, photographs, artwork, printed material and a scrapbook documenting the life of sculptor and educator William Ehrich.

Biographical material includes forms of identification, resumes, family genealogical records, travel notes, one award, and biographical notes. Research files include William Ehrich's 1955 trip to Germany and files compiled by Roger Ehrich and others regarding William Ehrich and WPA artists. Financial records include receipts, purchase orders, inventories, and mortgage records pertaining to Ehrich receiving money from a local art patron to purchase a home. Photographs are of Ehrich, Ehrich with his students, his sculpture and exhibitions. Artwork includes Ehrich's sketchbooks and sketches of anatomy. Printed material includes newspaper clippings. One scrapbook contains Ehrich's professional correspondence.

Biographical/Historical Note

William Ehrich (1897-1960) was a sculptor and educator in Rochester, New York. Ehrich was born in Königsberg, East Prussia. He studied sculpture at the State Art School in Königsberg. In 1929 he immigrated to Buffalo, New York. He taught at the Art Institute of Buffalo from 1931 to 1937 and directed the creation of public sculpture at the Buffalo Zoo as part of the WPA's Federal Arts Project. In 1939, Ehrich began teaching at the College for Women at the University of Rochester and the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, New York.

Provenance

Donated 2017 by Roger Ehrich, William Ehrich's son.

Language Note

Forms of identification and annotated sketchbooks are in German

Restrictions on Access

Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center.

How to Cite This Collection

William Ehrich papers, circa 1918-1975. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.