Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Microfilmed materials must be consulted on microfilm. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Summary:
Eight letters from Robert Frederick Blum to Alexander Drake concerning Blum's travels in Venice, Madrid, Tokyo, and Alexandria, Virginia. Blum describes his surroundings and briefly mentions his art work, such as in a letter introducing "Mr. Hodges, a gentleman from St. Louis" for whom he plans to illustrate an article on Venetian life. Some of the letters have small illustrations.
Citation:
Robert Blum letters to Alexander Drake, 1879-1890. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Additional Forms:
35mm microfilm reel 3582 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Three letters are photocopies.
Location of Originals:
Originals in the possession of Paul Hart 7 Dunanderry Drive, Paxton, Massachusetts 01612
Biography Note:
Blum was a painter, illustrator, and muralist in New York City. He worked for SCRIBNER'S in 1879, and in 1890 he traveled to Japan. Alexander Drake was a wood engraver, art editor, and patron in New York City. From 1881-1912, he was director of the Art Department and art editor of CENTURY magazine.
Language Note:
English .
Provenance:
Donated by Dr. Paul Hart, who had purchased them from Lewis A. Shepard. Shephard had purchased the letters from Drake's granddaughter, Hilah (?) Wheeler Remaily (?).
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
