This collection is arranged as 7 series. Series 1: Correspondence, 1962-1987 (0.8 linear feet; Box 1) Series 2: Artist Files, 1927-1991 (4.6 linear feet; Box 1-6, 11, OV 12) Series 3: Inventory Records, 1953-1986 (0.6 linear feet; Box 6) Series 4: Sales & Purchases, 1956-1987 (0.4 linear feet; Box 6-7) Series 5: Gifts, 1970-1987 (0.6 linear feet; Box 7, 11, OV 12) Series 6: Auctions, 1956-1959, 1968-1988 (1.4 linear feet; Box 7-9, 11) Series 7: Shipping Statements, 1958, 1968-1986 (1.4 linear feet; Box 9-10)
Access Note / Rights:
Use of original papers requires an appointment.
Summary:
The records of New York City World House Galleries measure 9.8 linear feet and date from 1927 to 1991, with the bulk of them dating from 1953 to 1980. The collection documents the gallery's general business affairs, sales, and relationships with artists from 1953-1968, and later gifts and sales by founder entrepreneur and art collector Herbert Mayer. Artists for which files are found include Jean Dubuffet, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Paul Klee and Georgio Morandi, among many others. Additional records include correspondence, inventory records, sales and purchase records, records of gifts and auctions, and shipping and consignment records.
Citation:
World House Galleries records, 1927-1991, bulk 1953-1980. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Funding:
Funding for the processing of this collection was provided by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
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.
Biography Note:
World House Galleries was founded by Herbert Mayer, Sr. in 1953 in New York City. The gallery operated until 1968, representing an eclectic group of artists from around the world.
Language Note:
The bulk of the collection is in English. Other languages include Danish, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Spanish, most of which are in the artist files and shipping statements.
Provenance:
The World House Galleries records were donated in 2002 by Herbert Mayer, Jr., son of gallery founder Herbert Mayer.
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001