Curatorial Office Records of Thomas Weston Fels

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute:

A Guide to the Curatorial Office Records of Thomas Weston Fels, 1994-1996

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Library
225 South Street
Williamstown, MA, 01267
413-458-0532
library@clarkart.edu

March 31, 2009

Arrangement of the Papers

Scope and Contents of the Records

These are the curatorial office records of Thomas Weston Fels, Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute from 1994-1996. The records are largely made up of correspondence with Clark colleagues, although there is a significant correspondence with other art museum professionals. Many of the records are documents produced by Fels while he served on several Clark committees, namely: Curatorial; Scholarly and Professional Programs; Planning Sub-Committee. There are also reports created for and records from Clark All Staff meetings.

Other notable files include: lists and inventories of works on paper belonging to the Clark collection; inventories and check lists of works on paper and their corresponding box numbers; a list of missing exhibition records for the Department of Prints and Drawings dated 1994; the sales inventory of prints and drawings of Kate Ganz, a private commercial vendor; personal and official correspondence with James Ganz during his fellowship at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, London; handwritten notes relating to Departmental business; correspondence concerning and information relating to the Print Council; information on how to use email and databases; information about setting up and using a Clark LAN; list of works from the Prints and Drawing Catalog uploaded to the network; reports prepared by the Department of Prints and Drawings for Nancy Pressly (Museum Consulting Service); the official summary report of Nancy Pressly; information for participants at the Clark's Photography and Art History Symposium 1994; docent calendar, 1994; Clark storage survey notes and queries; preparatory notes for an article in Visual Resources; correspondence with Mia Weiner, a private commercial vendor of prints and drawings; lists and slides of works for sale by Mia Weiner; Clark Print Room inventory.

History of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

In 1950 Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art collection. Opened to public in 1955, the Institute has built upon this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment. One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a public art museum with a complement of research and academic programs, including a major art history library, the Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. Building upon the founders' legacy, the Institute has recently unveiled its master plan for the twenty-first century, which fosters the Clark's commitment to providing space for its expanding research and museum programs while maintaining the unique character of its beautiful rural setting.

Index Terms

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

This material is currently restricted.

Restrictions on Use

This material is currently restricted.

Administrative Information

Custodial History

These materials were kept in the office of the Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs until the departure of James Ganz in 2008, at which time they were transferred to the Registrar's office. The Registrar subsequently transferred the records to the Archives in September 2008.

Preferred Citation

[Cite the item (as appropriate)], Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute: A Guide to the Curatorial Office Records of Thomas Weston Fels, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Records, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Acquisition Information

These materials were acquired from the Registrar in September 2008.

Processing Information

The materials were fully processed with all staples and clips removed. Materials relating to specific exhibitions were removed and filed in Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute: Exhibition Records, 1994 - Present. The remaining materials were rehoused in acid-free folders and boxes.

Related Material

Materials related to this series can be found in Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Records: Exhibition Records, 1994-Present; Curatorial Office Records of Jennifer Gordon Lovett, 1983-1995; Curatorial Office Records of Lisa A. Jolin, 1987-1995; Curatorial Office Records of Steven Kern 1987-1996; Curatorial Office Records of the Prints and Drawings Department, 1952-1996.

Separated Material

A number of folders containing exhibition related material which originally belonged to this series were removed and filed in Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute: Exhibition Records, 1994 - Present.