The Barney Ebsworth papers date from 1973 to 1982 and include correspondence, notes and writings, various printed materials, and photographs and film of works of art by Georgia O'Keeffe. The papers are comprised primarily of correspondence between Ebsworth and Doris Bry, Georgia O'Keeffe's commissioned sales agent, and notes on the legal proceedings between O'Keeffe and Bry (O'Keeffe v. Bry, 456 F. Supp. 822, S.D.N.Y. 1978).

Since the mid 1940s, Doris Bry represented and sold Georgia O'Keeffe's works of art as well as the photographic works of Alfred Stieglitz, O'Keeffe's late husband. After a falling out, O'Keeffe terminated the relationship and requested return of all works of art. Bry objected and filed a complaint in May of 1977. O'Keeffe moved for a preliminary injunction to have all works removed from Bry's possession and Bry complied. Bry asserted counterclaims for breach of contract and for recovery, and O'Keeffe moved to dismiss counterclaims. Ebsworth was involved mediating litigation between O'Keeffe and Bry.

Additional correspondence and notes relate to Ebsworth's collecting of O'Keeffe works of art. Printed materials include newspaper and magazine articles relating to O'Keeffe and her artwork, exhibition announcements and checklists, as well as O'Keeffe reproductions. Also included are photographs and film of O'Keeffe works of art and two photographs of a painting depicting O'Keeffe holding a pelvis painting (appears to be painted from a Tony Vaccaro photograph).