University of Tennessee Knoxville Launches Campaign to Acquire Beauford Delaney Archive
The University of Tennessee Knoxville's University Libraries has the rare opportunity to purchase the Beauford Delaney archive that is currently held at the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA). In partnership with the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and the Knoxville Museum of Art, UT Libraries will leverage their collective Delaney holdings through programs, exhibitions, digital projects, and other programs and initiatives for the advancement of Beauford's legacy.
In addition to material documenting his work and life, the archive contains correspondence with leading artistic and literary greats such as James Baldwin, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Henry Miller, as well as sketchbooks containing drawings, daily musings, and preliminary studies for some of Beauford's major paintings. Many of these sketches were shown for the first time at Beauford Delaney and James Baldwin: Through the Unusual Door, the outstanding exhibition curated by Stephen Wicks, Barbara W. and Bernard E. Bernstein Curator at KMA, at the museum in 2020.
I had the pleasure of visiting Knoxville and attended the opening of this exhibition. The archival materials displayed there were extraordinary.
Display from Through the Unusual Door
Photograph by Les Amis de Beauford Delaney
© The Estate of Beauford Delaney
by permission of Derek L. Spratley, Esquire,
Court Appointed Administrator
Display from Through the Unusual Door
Photograph by Les Amis de Beauford Delaney
© The Estate of Beauford Delaney
by permission of Derek L. Spratley, Esquire,
Court Appointed Administrator
Blue ink on sketchbook paper, 5 ½ x 3 ½ inches
Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville, Tennessee
Photograph by Bruce Cole
© The Estate of Beauford Delaney
by permission of Derek L. Spratley, Esquire,
Court Appointed Administrator
The archive will be an indispensable resource for scholars working locally to internationally in art history, Black cultural studies and aesthetics, Modernism, American civil rights history and cultural studies, and queer theory/history.
The cost to purchase the collection is $1,000,000, and UT Libraries anticipates an additional $100,000 in processing and digitization costs once it procures the archive. With the University of Tennessee agreeing to invest $500,000 for the purchase, the overall fundraising goal for the acquisition is $600,000.
UT Libraries is seeking pledges for contributions from philanthropic organizations and individuals interested in preserving Beauford's legacy and retaining the archive in his hometown of Knoxville. The Henry Luce Foundation has already expressed interest in contributing to costs associated with processing the collection.
All pledges must be secured by March 1, 2022. Donors will be allowed to make multi-year payments.
To learn more about the Beauford Delaney Archive or to make a donation, contact:
Stacy Palado, Director of Advancement
University of Tennessee Libraries
1015 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996-1000
865-974-0055 (office) or 865-274-7529 (cell)
Addendum: The University of Tennessee Knoxville successfully acquired the Beauford Delaney archives in March 2022.
East Tennessee History Center Acquires Part of Beauford Delaney Archives
On January 27, 2018, Case Antiques of Knoxville, Tennessee sold a bundle of Beauford Delaney memorabilia during its Historic Winter Auction.
Paintbrushes and pencils, French Lesson, Letters
Image from Case Antiques Web site
The successful bidder was the East Tennessee History Center, which is also located in Knoxville.
East Tennessee History Center
© Wells International Foundation
The Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection at the East Tennessee History Center is the sponsor for an historical marker that will honor Beauford and his brother, Joseph, in Knoxville. The center aspires to eventually house the entire archive held by the Beauford Delaney estate and thereby contribute to the fulfillment of the mission of Knoxville's "Gathering Light" project to make Knoxville a center of excellence for the study of the Delaney brothers' art.
The purchase consisted of the following:
(The Schomburg Center in NYC also has a Beauford Delaney archive.)
Image from Case Antiques Web site
The successful bidder was the East Tennessee History Center, which is also located in Knoxville.
© Wells International Foundation
The Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection at the East Tennessee History Center is the sponsor for an historical marker that will honor Beauford and his brother, Joseph, in Knoxville. The center aspires to eventually house the entire archive held by the Beauford Delaney estate and thereby contribute to the fulfillment of the mission of Knoxville's "Gathering Light" project to make Knoxville a center of excellence for the study of the Delaney brothers' art.
The purchase consisted of the following:
- three letters, all of which were written by Beauford and addressed to his brother, Samuel (Emery) Delaney
- a greeting card sent to Beauford's niece, Ogust Delaney Stewart, from his friends, Dolly and Al Hirschfeld
- an 14 1/8" H x 8 5/8" W card (unsigned) on which is drawn a pencil sketch of figures that illustrate the mathematical sum of "2+2"
- numerous paintbrushes and drawing pencils
(The Schomburg Center in NYC also has a Beauford Delaney archive.)
Beauford Delaney-James Baldwin Correspondence in James Baldwin Archive Sealed for 20 Years
It is well known that Beauford and James Baldwin had a deep and abiding friendship. What we know of that friendship comes mainly from the publication of biographies about Baldwin, writings by Baldwin, and the single biography that exists about Beauford.
James Baldwin and Beauford at the American Cultural Center
Photo: U.S. Information Service
When I learned that the Schomburg Center has acquired the Baldwin archive, I was excited! The center already holds a collection of Beauford's papers and having both archives at the same institution will make deeper scholarly investigation of the Beauford-Baldwin relationship much easier.
Or so I thought.
As I read the New York Times article that announced the acquisition, my excitement quickly faded. In Paragraph 8, writer Jennifer Schuessler reveals that "Baldwin’s correspondence with four of his closest intimates is under 20-year seal" and ten paragraphs later, she reveals that "Correspondence with Delaney is covered by the 20-year seal."
Schuessler mentions unpublished notes by Baldwin about Beauford and this text is coupled with a photo of part of a page of handwritten notes that were published as an essay in the Studio Museum of Harlem catalog for the Beauford Delaney: A Retrospective exhibition in 1978.
Detail of a page from Baldwin's essay "Notes on Beauford Delaney"
Original photo by Emon Hassan
Beauford Delaney: A Retrospective - catalog cover
1978 Studio Museum of Harlem
It is not clear whether Schuessler knew that the essay had indeed been published.
The 20-year seal also covers correspondence between Baldwin and his brother David; his friend and lover, Lucien Happersberger, and his friend Mary Painter. Painter was also a close friend of Beauford, so it is possible that some of the letters exchanged by Painter and Baldwin discuss Beauford.
To see the Schomburg Center's Web page that details the contents of the James Baldwin archive, click HERE.
To see the Schomburg Center's Web page that details all documentation concerning Beauford, click HERE.
Photo: U.S. Information Service
When I learned that the Schomburg Center has acquired the Baldwin archive, I was excited! The center already holds a collection of Beauford's papers and having both archives at the same institution will make deeper scholarly investigation of the Beauford-Baldwin relationship much easier.
Or so I thought.
As I read the New York Times article that announced the acquisition, my excitement quickly faded. In Paragraph 8, writer Jennifer Schuessler reveals that "Baldwin’s correspondence with four of his closest intimates is under 20-year seal" and ten paragraphs later, she reveals that "Correspondence with Delaney is covered by the 20-year seal."
Schuessler mentions unpublished notes by Baldwin about Beauford and this text is coupled with a photo of part of a page of handwritten notes that were published as an essay in the Studio Museum of Harlem catalog for the Beauford Delaney: A Retrospective exhibition in 1978.
Original photo by Emon Hassan
1978 Studio Museum of Harlem
It is not clear whether Schuessler knew that the essay had indeed been published.
The 20-year seal also covers correspondence between Baldwin and his brother David; his friend and lover, Lucien Happersberger, and his friend Mary Painter. Painter was also a close friend of Beauford, so it is possible that some of the letters exchanged by Painter and Baldwin discuss Beauford.
To see the Schomburg Center's Web page that details the contents of the James Baldwin archive, click HERE.
To see the Schomburg Center's Web page that details all documentation concerning Beauford, click HERE.
Beauford in the Knoxville News-Sentinel
The Knoxville News-Sentinel, one of the principal newspapers of Beauford's hometown of Knoxville, TN, has published several articles about him throughout the years.
Knoxville News-Sentinel - current masthead
The most recent one appeared in the arts section of the paper last July: A movement is underway to recognize artist Beauford Delaney in his hometown of Knoxville
Steve Cotham of the East Tennessee History Center kindly sent me copies of several older articles that the paper published about Beauford. Dating from 1935 to 1978, they report on his life in New York, art exhibitions that he participated in, his visits home, and his hospitalization in Paris. Here are some of the headlines:
Article published 8 February 1942
"Knoxville Negro Artist Has Successful Exhibit" was written by Miss Della Yoe. Yoe refers to Beauford as being a "Negro artist formerly of Knoxville," and spells his name "Beuford." She mentions his 1941 exhibition in Washington Square in Spring 1941, acknowledging its success, and notes that it was reviewed in The News-Sentinel. Much of the article consists of an extensive quote from a Don Freeman essay about Beauford.
Article published 1 January 1970
"Knoxvillian Back From 16-Year Visit" indicates that Beauford (spelled "Buford" in the article) "went to Paris intending to visit three weeks. Now, 16 years later, he has finally interrupted a successful art career in France to return for a visit in Knoxville." The unnamed writer mentions that Beauford stayed with his brother Samuel at 1935 Dandridge Avenue and that his intent was to "do some painting and just visit" during his trip. He states that many of Beauford's portraits hung in French homes and that one of his paintings "hangs in the Lausanne Gallery in Switzerland."
Article published 9 August 1976
"Paris Artists Aim To Free Ex-Knox Painter, 73, and Send Him Home" contains several quotes from Beauford's friend, Jean-Loup Msika. Writer William Steif refers to the efforts of Msika and several other artists to get Beauford released from Sainte-Anne's Hospital and establish a private residence for him where he could paint and receive nursing care. It says that Beauford suffered from "hardening of the arteries," which made him forgetful and indicates that James Baldwin believed Beauford would benefit from going back to the southern United States.
Baldwin apparently did not know that Beauford had family remaining in Knoxville - a companion article entitled "Delaney Has Brother and Niece in Knoxville" talks about Samuel Delaney, his wife, and their daughter Imogene, who lived at 1935 Dandridge Avenue. This is the address of the home that the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville has purchased and plans to restore.
The East Tennessee History Center hopes to become the permanent home of the Beauford Delaney archives.
East Tennessee History Center
© Wells International Foundation
The most recent one appeared in the arts section of the paper last July: A movement is underway to recognize artist Beauford Delaney in his hometown of Knoxville
Steve Cotham of the East Tennessee History Center kindly sent me copies of several older articles that the paper published about Beauford. Dating from 1935 to 1978, they report on his life in New York, art exhibitions that he participated in, his visits home, and his hospitalization in Paris. Here are some of the headlines:
"Knoxville Negro Artist Has Successful Exhibit" was written by Miss Della Yoe. Yoe refers to Beauford as being a "Negro artist formerly of Knoxville," and spells his name "Beuford." She mentions his 1941 exhibition in Washington Square in Spring 1941, acknowledging its success, and notes that it was reviewed in The News-Sentinel. Much of the article consists of an extensive quote from a Don Freeman essay about Beauford.
"Knoxvillian Back From 16-Year Visit" indicates that Beauford (spelled "Buford" in the article) "went to Paris intending to visit three weeks. Now, 16 years later, he has finally interrupted a successful art career in France to return for a visit in Knoxville." The unnamed writer mentions that Beauford stayed with his brother Samuel at 1935 Dandridge Avenue and that his intent was to "do some painting and just visit" during his trip. He states that many of Beauford's portraits hung in French homes and that one of his paintings "hangs in the Lausanne Gallery in Switzerland."
"Paris Artists Aim To Free Ex-Knox Painter, 73, and Send Him Home" contains several quotes from Beauford's friend, Jean-Loup Msika. Writer William Steif refers to the efforts of Msika and several other artists to get Beauford released from Sainte-Anne's Hospital and establish a private residence for him where he could paint and receive nursing care. It says that Beauford suffered from "hardening of the arteries," which made him forgetful and indicates that James Baldwin believed Beauford would benefit from going back to the southern United States.
Baldwin apparently did not know that Beauford had family remaining in Knoxville - a companion article entitled "Delaney Has Brother and Niece in Knoxville" talks about Samuel Delaney, his wife, and their daughter Imogene, who lived at 1935 Dandridge Avenue. This is the address of the home that the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville has purchased and plans to restore.
The East Tennessee History Center hopes to become the permanent home of the Beauford Delaney archives.
© Wells International Foundation
Beauford Delaney Letter Archived by Smithsonian
A letter written by Beauford to Al Hirschfeld was recently entered into the Smithsonian Archives of American Art:
Image from Smithsonian Archives of American Art
It is dated September 3, 1940. The return address is 181 Greene Street, New York City.
Beauford in his Greene Street studio, New York City, 1944
© Estate of Beauford Delaney, by permission of Derek L. Spratley, Esquire, Court Appointed Administrator
Among the things that Beauford expresses in this letter are listening to recordings by the blues guitarist Blind Boy Fuller (Fulton Allen [1908-1941]) and his desire to take Hirschfeld to a place "where there are happy feet and Weary Blues also Barbecued ribs."
He signed his name "De Laney," which his biographer, David A. Leeming, indicates was "the more dignified spelling of his surname - one favored by his mother."
Al Hirschfeld's papers are also held by the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian.
Listen to Blind Boy Fuller sing "Truckin' Little Baby" by clicking below.
It is dated September 3, 1940. The return address is 181 Greene Street, New York City.
© Estate of Beauford Delaney, by permission of Derek L. Spratley, Esquire, Court Appointed Administrator
Among the things that Beauford expresses in this letter are listening to recordings by the blues guitarist Blind Boy Fuller (Fulton Allen [1908-1941]) and his desire to take Hirschfeld to a place "where there are happy feet and Weary Blues also Barbecued ribs."
He signed his name "De Laney," which his biographer, David A. Leeming, indicates was "the more dignified spelling of his surname - one favored by his mother."
Al Hirschfeld's papers are also held by the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian.
Listen to Blind Boy Fuller sing "Truckin' Little Baby" by clicking below.
Beauford's Gumbo Recipe
During his New York years, Beauford submitted a recipe for gumbo to Grenwich Village Gourmet. One of our readers, Raymina Mays, graciously sent me images of the cover of the publication and the recipe* itself, which is signed by Beauford.
Thanks, Raymina, for this invaluable contribution to the Les Amis blog!
*In Amazing Grace
, David A. Leeming indicates that the recipe was published in 1949 and that according to Beauford's family tradition, his maternal grandfather had come from Dahomey.
Thanks, Raymina, for this invaluable contribution to the Les Amis blog!
*In Amazing Grace
, David A. Leeming indicates that the recipe was published in 1949 and that according to Beauford's family tradition, his maternal grandfather had come from Dahomey.Galerie Darthea Speyer Records Go to the Smithsonian
In commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of Beauford's death, I am pleased to reopen the Les Amis de Beauford Delaney blog with a wonderful guest posting that has been contributed by Jason Stieber of the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Art. All images below have been provided by the Smithsonian.
**********
One of his most ardent admirers was the American cultural ambassador and art dealer Darthea Speyer. Speyer exhibited Beauford’s work in her Paris gallery and, from the moment of their meeting until her death in 2010, employed her considerable executive skills to advance the cause of his life and work. The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art in Washington, DC recently acquired the records of the Galerie Darthea Speyer as a gift from the dealer’s estate. These records are a rich trove of information on the network of friends who supported Beauford and whose loyalty proved vital in the dark years near the end of his life. While there are no letters from the artist himself, the collection contains correspondence to Speyer from Romare Bearden, Herbert Gentry, Ahmed Bioud, James Jones, and Bernard Hassell.
Darthea Speyer letter to Romare Bearden, 1974
In 1973, Speyer mounted a solo exhibition of Beauford’s work. The collection contains numerous photographs from the opening of this exhibition as well as documents pertaining to its organization and the sale of artwork. Jazz musician and composer Ornette Coleman made an appearance on opening night, as did one of Beauford’s most generous benefactors, Mme. de Closel, who provided him with a free flat on rue Vercingetorix during the last decade of his life.
Ornette Coleman (far left) and Beauford (middle left) at the 1973 exposition
Beauford and Darthea Speyer (middle right) stand before Beauford's portrait of Speyer
Letter from Romare Bearden to Darthea Speyer
The Galerie Darthea Speyer records are an invaluable primary resource for the study of Beauford’s life. The Archives of American Art is proud to have added these records to our research holdings so that generations of scholars may continue to encounter Beauford’s remarkable spirit. Other collections at the Archives of American Art relating to Beauford and his circle include:
Oral history interview with Darthea Speyer
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/interviews/oral-history-interview-darthea-speyer-11786
The Joseph Delaney papers
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/joseph-delaney-papers-7477
The Romare Bearden papers
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/romare-bearden-papers-5881
The Lawrence Calcagno papers
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/lawrence-calcagno-papers-9238
The Roko Gallery records
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/roko-gallery-records-7249/more
The Adelyn Breeskin papers
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/adelyn-dohme-breeskin-papers-8422
The Al Hirschfeld papers
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/al-hirschfeld-papers-7079/more
Oral history interview with Herbert Gentry
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/interviews/oral-history-interview-herbert-gentry-11493
The Adeline Herder papers
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/adeline-herder-papers-6323/more
For more information on the above mentioned Smithsonian archives, contact:
Jason Stieber
Collections Specialist
Archives of American Art
Smithsonian Institution
(202) 633-7958
The Beauford Delaney Letters
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
© 2007 – Dmadeo
The Schomburg Center in Manhattan holds an archive of twenty-four pieces of correspondence that pertain to Beauford. They date from 1958-1963. Eighteen of these are personal letters written by Beauford to Lynn Stone, a friend and supporter from his “New York Years.” Biographer David Leeming refers to Stone several times in Amazing Grace
, citing that she visited Beauford in Paris during the summers of 1956 and 1962, and that she was the instigator of the idea that the Urban League sponsor an exposition of Beauford’s works. (This idea would never come to fruition.) He indicates that she gave Beauford a blanket and warm clothes to help him survive the cold winter of 1963 at his rue Vercingétorix studio, and that Beauford wrote to her about his love of reading “wisdom literature of the Far East.”The Schomburg has many additional letters concerning the Urban League exposition. One was written by James Baldwin in his capacity as chairman of the committee charged with raising money for the show. Two were written by Edward C. Califano, the director of Galerie Internationale – an organization that was to be a partner in the exposition. Two others represent correspondence between Lynn Stone and Beauford’s dear friend Charlie Boggs.
The Schomburg archive presents a rare opportunity to view Beauford’s personal papers and to read firsthand his reflections about himself and others as well as his life philosophy. The library Web site lists call number Sc MG 217 as the reference for the archive.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037-1801
Telephone: 212-491-2200
Closed Mondays