Eleanor Jewett papers, 1892-1955

Collection Information

Size: 2 Linear feet, (on 4 microfilm reels)

Summary: Letters, printed matter, photographs, notes, and scrapbooks.

Letters, 1920-1955, mainly 1929-1939, regard Jewett's lectures, reviews, reorganization of Goodman Theater, and the removal of the painting "Song of the Lark" from exhibition at Art Institute of Chicago, including 1 letter from Carter H. Harrison, former mayor of Chicago, disagreeing with Jewett's opinion on "Song of the Lark" and discussing whether or not people can recognize which art is representative of their time.

Printed material, 1930-ca.1935, includes two exhibition catalogs, four reviews by Jewett, a page from her appointment diary, and newsletters from art and journalism organizations. Other material includes Christmas cards, 1927-1940, some with original artwork, and 2 valentines; photographs, undated and 1930, among them Diana Thorne with one of her paintings, and Mrs. Archibald Freer, 1930; two reproductions and a photograph of artwork; notes, 7 sheets, with dates of articles Jewett considered her best and a list of columns she wrote; and nine scrapbooks of articles by Jewett.

Biographical/Historical Note

Art critic; Chicago, Ill. Jewett first obtained a job at the Chicago Tribune in 1917 through the editor, her cousin Colonel Robert McCormick. She started writing fiction, beauty, and fashion columns, and, in 1918, became art editor. She retired in 1956. Her generally conservative criticisms treated many modernist painters and movements unfavorably. She was involved with anti-modernist art groups such as the Palette and Chisel Club and the Sanity in Art Society, on whose board she served. Jewett also wrote verse which the Tribune published. She published two books of poems: FROM THE TOP OF MY COLUMN (1927) and IN THE WIND'S WHISTLE (1929). She married Godfrey Lundberg in 1920, and retained her maiden name professionally.

Provenance

Donated 1986 by William Lundberg, Eleanor Jewett's son. His two sisters, Joan Lundberg and Lucy Schneider, also contributed to this gift.

Language Note

English .