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Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation Correspondence Photocopies

 Collection
Identifier: MS-5

Scope and Contents Note

This collection includes photocopies of Georgia O'Keeffe's original papers, the majority of which was given by The Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation to Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library after O'Keeffe's death and is now part of the Alfred Stieglitz/Georgia O'Keeffe Archive. This collection is an incomplete duplicate set of the Beinecke archive.

The collection is organized into the following series: Series 1 Correspondence, Series 2 Writings by Georgia O'Keeffe, and Series 3 Documentary Ephemera.

The Correspondence series is further divided into the following four subseries: Georgia O'Keeffe Personal Correspondence; Georgia O'Keeffe Institutional Correspondence; Fan Mail; and Alfred Stieglitz Correspondence. The bulk of the Correspondence series contains letters addressed to O'Keeffe from others and dates from 1950 onward.

O'Keeffe's personal correspondence includes letters to O'Keeffe from friends and family regarding personal matters. There is little two-way correspondence and the bulk of the letters date from 1950 onward. Some letters have been transcribed and contain research notes relating to projects The Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation may have been involved with; access to these materials may have restrictions. The series is arranged alphabetically and, within the folder, chronologically.

O'Keeffe's institutional correspondence consists primarily of photocopies of letters to O'Keeffe from institutions regarding business matters such as requests to reproduce, lend, borrow, or purchase O'Keeffe works of art, as well as requests for donations and permission to conduct interviews, write articles, and produce films about or with O'Keeffe. The series is arranged alphabetically and, within the folder, chronologically.

Fan Mail includes letters from fans to O'Keeffe about the impact of her life and work, requests for autographs, advice on being an artist, etc. From the notes written on the letters, it appears O'Keeffe did respond to a number of these letters. The series is arranged chronologically.

The Alfred Stieglitz Correspondence series contains a small group of correspondence relating to Alfred Stieglitz. Many of the letters are transcribed and appear to relate to research done during the period that The Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation held the materials. The series is arranged alphabetically and, within the folder, chronologically.

Writings by Georgia O'Keeffe includes a small selection of writings and notes by O'Keeffe such as a piece on Florine Stettheimer and O'Keeffe's collection of Stieglitz's works, as well as miscellaneous unidentified writings.

The Documentary Ephemera series includes a small group of items documenting O'Keeffe's life, work and interests. The series is divided in to four subseries: About O'Keeffe and Her Work, About Alfred Stieglitz, Subject Files, and Exhibition Ephemera. Much of this material is arranged as it was received.

The About O'Keeffe and Her Work subseries documents O'Keeffe's life and work through a selection of personal documents, biographical writings and interviews, conservation and appraisal reports, and working documents on topics of interest.

The About Alfred Stieglitz subseries contains a discrete group of material related to Alfred Stieglitz such as quotes by Stieglitz, articles relating to Stieglitz, and condolence letters received by O'Keeffe after Stieglitz's death.

A small selection clippings and documents on topics of interest to O'Keeffe, such as William Merritt Chase and rolfing, make up the Subject Files. Exhibition ephemera includes a small selection of exhibition announcements and invitations relating to O'Keeffe, Stieglitz, and a few other artists.

Dates

  • Creation: 1907-1987, undated

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Access Restrictions

This is a photocopy reference collection primarily for in-house use. Certain materials in this collection are restricted such as research notes, transcriptions, annotations, etc.

To access the original materials, researchers should refer to Alfred Stieglitz/Georgia O'Keeffe Archive, Yale Collection of American Literature. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Copy and Reproduction Restrictions

Reproductions and photocopies are not permitted.

Extent

16.68 Linear Feet (40 hollinger boxes)

Overview

This collection consists of photocopies of Georgia O'Keeffe's original papers, which are now housed at Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library as part of the Alfred Stieglitz/Georgia O'Keeffe Archive. Included are items such as: correspondence with friends, business associates, and fans; writings by O'Keeffe; subject files on topics and people of interest; articles and reviews on O'Keeffe's life and work; and exhibition ephemera.

Arrangement of the Collection

The collection is arranged into three series: Correspondence, Writings by Georgia O'Keeffe, and Documentary Ephemera.

Acquisition Information

Photocopies were received from The Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation prior to 2006.

Related Materials

Originals of the materials in this collection are part of the Alfred Stieglitz/Georgia O'Keeffe Archive (YCAL MSS 85), Yale Collection of American Literature. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Ownership and Rights

This collection consists of photocopies and research notes, and is to be used for reference only. The originals are housed at Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Researchers should contact the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library for access to original materials and further information regarding copyright and literary rights. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Processing Information

Copies of the correspondence and subject files were processed prior to 2008 and overseen by Kelly Swickard. Finding aid was completed by Elizabeth Ehrnst in 2012.

Title
Finding Aid to The Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation Correspondence Photocopies, 1907-1987, undated
Status
Completed
Author
Elizabeth Ehrnst
Date
February 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Repository

Contact:
217 Johnson Street
Santa Fe NM 87501 US
505-946-1000