William Gropper papers, 1916-1983

Collection Information

Size: 3.3 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of painter, illustrator, muralist, and political activist William Gropper measure 3.3 linear feet and date from 1916-1983. Almost one-half of the collection consists of printed materials, including full issues of New Masses, Liberator, and Der Hammer , all featuring illustrations by Gropper. Circa 600 letters include those written to Gropper by Frank Crowninshield, Robert Henri, Louis Lozowick, Raphael Soyer, and others. Also found are photographs of Gropper, his family, colleagues, and friends, as well as scattered writings and notes, business records, biographical information, three drawings, and a fabric sample designed by Gropper.

Biographical/Historical Note

William Gropper was born on December 3rd, 1897 in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. His family was impoverished and his parents worked in the New York garment factories. To help his family, Gropper took odd jobs throughout New York City. When he was not busy working, Gropper nurtured his artistic talents by drawing cartoons on sidewalks and the sides of buildings. Read More

Provenance

The collection was donated by Sophie Gropper, Gropper's widow, in 1984.

Related Materials

Among the holdings of the Archives of American Art is an oral history interview of William Gropper conducted by Bruce Hooton in 1965. The Louis Lozowick papers contain documentation of Lozowick's research and writings for a biography of Gropper.

The Special Collections Research Center at the Syracuse University Library also holds a collection of William Gropper's papers.

Language Note

English .

Digitization Note

The papers of William Gropper in the Archives of American Art were digitized in 2007. The papers have been scanned in their entirety, and total 4,578 images.

Funding Note

Funding for the processing and digitization of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art