The collection is arranged as seven series. Series 1: Biographical Material, 1949-1995 (Box 1; 7 folders) Series 2: Correspondence, circa 1948-circa 1987 (Box 1; 0.3 linear feet) Series 3: Writings, 1969-1986 (Box 1; 0.4 linear feet) Series 4: Personal Business Records, 1950-1986 (Box 1; 5 folders) Series 5: Printed Material, circa 1946-1987 (Boxes 1-2; 0.3 linear feet) Series 6: Photographs, circa 1950-1988 (Box 2; 0.2 linear feet) Series 7: Artwork, circa 1950-1984 (Box 2; 0.2 linear feet)
Access Note / Rights:
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center.
Summary:
The papers of painter Thomas Downing measure 1.4 linear feet and date from circa 1946 to 1995. The papers document his career as an artist in Washington, D.C. and Provincetown, Massachusetts through biographical material, correspondence, writings, personal business records, printed material, photographic material and artwork.
Citation:
Thomas Downing papers, circa 1946-1995. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Additional Forms:
Material lent for microfilming is available on 35mm microfilm reel 4058 at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Related Materials:
The Archives of American Art also holds microfilm of material lent for microfilming (reel 4058) including eleven letters from Thomas Downing to his son Aaron and seven photographs of Thomas Downing and others. Lent material was returned to the lender and is not described in the collection container inventory.
Biography Note:
Thomas Downing (1928-1985) was a painter based in Washington, D.C., and Provincetown, Massachusetts, who was associated with the Washington Color School.
Language Note:
The collection is in English, French and Italian.
Provenance:
Material was first lent to the Archives of American Art for microfilming in 1988 by Downing's son, Aaron Downing, and then returned to the lender. His widow, Louise Downing, donated additional papers in 1988.
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Topic:
Art, Modern -- 20th century -- Massachusetts -- Provincetown Search this
Art, Modern -- 20th century -- Washington (D.C.) Search this