March 23, 2011
Draft Description
Found amongst the files was a draft of a brief history of the University Gallery. No author is identified, and while the tattered edges and coloring of the paper can give clue to its age, the final paragraph draws attention to the tentative list of exhibitions scheduled for the 1959-1960 season, providing an indication of when the draft may have been created.
The draft identifies the major contributors to the development of the Gallery, to include President Lotus Coffman, Hudson Walker, and Ruth Lawrence. A description of the scope and size of the permanent collection and mention of key works is included.
UniversityGallery-Description_1959-60.pdf
Rebecca Wilson is a graduate student in the Master of Liberal Studies program at the University of Minnesota, completing a minor in Museum Studies. She also serves as a Visitor Services Assistant at the Weisman Art Museum.
Creating space, expanding place
Creating space, expanding place
Processing the WAM collection allows for direct exposure to the documentation of institutional history. Contained within the third box of the WAM collection is a folder titled, “Biennial Report to President, 1947-1948.” The contents consist simply of four delicately aged…
Flowers to the Living
For the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the University Gallery, the retired former director, Ruth Lawrence, was asked to compile a history of the University of Minnesota’s Gallery of Art. In 24 typewritten pages, Ruth outlined the origin –…
Candid
From Box 3, in a folder titled simply, “Staff Photographs, Resumes,” circa 1941 – 1959, a candid photograph of the University Gallery’s first permanent director, Ruth Lawrence:…