Overview
Collection Information
Size: 1 Microfilm reel, 71 items on partial microfilm reel
Summary: This microfilm collection contains writings by African American self-taught artist James Hapton in an unknown script. These writings are sometimes accompanied by notes in English, quotations from the Bible, or the word "Revelation." The writings are on loose leaf paper, in a 108-page notebook entitled "St. James: The Book of the 7 Dispensation," and in seven notebooks with only a few inscribed pages each. Also included in the collection is a Bible once owned by Hampton containing an inscription in the back. Only the Bible's cover and the inscription were microfilmed.
Biographical/Historical Note
James Hampton (1909-1964) was an African American self-taught artist in Washington, D.C. Hampton worked as a janitor and created a large assemblage of religous art in a garage which was only opened after his death. His work, The Throne of the Thrid Heaven of the Nation's Millenium General Assembly , is an assemblage of furniture, light bulbs, cardboard, foil, and other assorted items.
Provenance
The writings were found in a garage on 7th Street, N.W. Washington D.C., with Hampton's work, The Throne of the Thrid Heaven of the Nation's Millenium General Assembly . The work, along with the papers, were purchased by the National Museum of American Art, now the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Archives of American Art borrowed the writings for microfilming in 1987.
Language Note
English .
Location of Originals
- Originals in: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
