Barney Ebsworth Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-13

Scope and Content Note

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).

Dates

Creation: 1973 - 1982

Access Restrictions

Certain materials in this collection may be restricted. The photographic print materials may be used by researchers. The use of film materials requires the permission of the archivist.

Copy and Reproduction Restrictions

Photocopies of materials may be made for research purposes only.

Biographical and Historical Note

Barney A. Ebsworth (b. 1934) was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he spent his working life until his move to Seattle in 2002. Mr. Ebsworth is the founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Windsor, Inc., formed in 1979 for the purpose of providing financing for venture capital, real estate and other investments. Mr. Ebsworth was the founder Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of INTRAV, a general agency formed in 1959 for the purpose of selling travel to individuals and businesses. Mr. Ebsworth also founded Royal Cruise Line and Clipper Cruise Line in 1972 and 1981, respectively. He was the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of those companies from inception to the time they were sold in 1986 and 1997, respectively. He also founded and served as a Director of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. since its conversion to a corporation in April, 2000 and served on an advisory board to Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.'s predecessor entity prior to that time.

Mr. Ebsworth is a prominent collector of modern art as well as a Trustee of the St. Louis Art Museum and the Seattle Art Museum, a Commissioner of The American Art Museum and Smithsonian Institute and a member of the Trustees Council and Co-Chairman of Collectors Committee of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

The Ebsworth collection includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper by artists Charles Burchfield, Alexander Calder, Charles Demuth, Willem de Kooning, Arthur Dove, Arshile Gorky, Morris Graves, Marsden Hartley, David Hockney, Edward Hopper, William Glackens, O. Louis Guglielmi, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Gaston Lachaise, Franz Kline, John Marin, Joan Mitchell, Alice Neel, Georgia O'Keeffe, Claes Oldenburg, Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Charles Sheeler, David Smith, Joseph Stella, Wayne Thiebaud, and Andy Warhol, in addition to less familiar names such as George Ault, Peter Blume, J. Francis Criss, John Storrs, Bob Thompson, and others. He and his wife have donated work to the National Gallery of Art and Seattle Art Museum.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet

Language

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Barney Ebsworth papers date from 1973 to 1982 and include correspondence, notes and writings, 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).

Arrangement of Collection

The collection is arranged into four series based primarily on type of material: Correspondence, O'Keeffe v. Bry, Notes, Printed Material, and Photographic Material.

The collection is arranged into four series based primarily on type of material:

Missing Title

Series 1: Correspondence
Series 2: O'Keeffe v. Bry Notes
Series 3: Printed Material
Series 4: Photographic Material

Acquisition Information

The papers were donated by Barney Ebsworth to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Research Center Archives in 2009.

Ownership and Rights

The Barney Ebsworth papers are the physical property of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Research Center. The collection is subject to all copyright laws. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply. Contact the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Research Center Archivist for further copyright and publication information as it pertains to this collection.