The collection is arranged as five series. Series 1 and 4 are arranged chronologically. Series 2 consists of a single dismantled notebook which maintains the creator's original arrangement. Series 3 has been arranged in a numerically consecutive order introduced by the donor, Kenneth W. Prescott. There are gaps in art work's numerical sequences. Series 1: Letters, 1940 (Box 1; 1 folder) Series 2: Notebook, 1932-1933 (Box 1; 6 folders) Series 3: Art work, 1924-1964, undated (Box 1-3; OVS 4-9; 33 folders) Series 4: Clippings, 1926-1968, undated (Box 2; 10 folders) Series 5: Unprocessed Addition to the Burgoyne Diller Papers, 1930-1987 (Box 10, OV 11; 0.4 linear ft.)
Access Note / Rights:
The collection is open for research. Use requires an appointment and is limited to the Washington, D.C. research facility.
Summary:
The Burgoyne Diller papers measure 1.5 linear feet and date from 1924-1987. The collection documents the abstract painter's career and includes two letters, a notebook, four annotated sketchbooks, art work, and clippings. The collection primarily consists of art work, including hundreds of drawings that document the development of Burgoyne Diller's unique artistic style. An unprocessed addition measuring 0.4 linear feet consists of sketches and studies by Diller.
Citation:
Burgoyne Diller papers, 1924-1987. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Use Note:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Related Materials:
Burgoyne Diller collection of printed material, 1932-1961.
Biography Note:
Born in New York City in 1906, Burgoyne Diller was brought up in Michigan and attended Michigan State College. He returned to New York in 1926 and studied at the Art Students League from 1928 to 1932, with Hans Hofmann. Diller made his first geometrical paintings in the 1930s, which were influenced by the rigid formulas of Piet Mondrian's "pure plastic art." Diller's work evolved into an abstract mode of configurations of lines, angles, and primary colors. Diller was one of the original members of the American Abstract Artists.
Language Note:
English .
Provenance:
The Burgoyne Diller papers were donated by the Grace Diller estate via William C. LaCrone, executor, in 1992. Some of the papers were donated by the Diller estate via art historian Kenneth W. Prescott, in 4 installments dating 1983-2000. An unprocessed addition of 0.4 linear feet received in 2010 was donated by Emma-Stina Prescott.
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Topic:
Art, Modern -- 20th century -- United States Search this
