John Frazee papers, 1819-1966, bulk 1819-1893

Collection Information

Size: 0.6 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of sculptor and architect John Frazee measure 0.6 linear feet, and date from 1819-1966, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1819-1893. These scattered papers contain documentation of Frazee's early career as a gravestone carver, his commission to design the New York Customs House, and his busts of John Jay, the Marquis De Lafayette, and other famous figures. There is also correspondence with family members, genealogical materials, sketches of Frazee monuments and stone engravings, poems and notes by Frazee, printed materials, a few financial documents, photographs of works of art, and a plaster cast of a medal.

Biographical/Historical Note

John Stark Frazee (1790-1854) worked as an sculptor and architect primarily in New York City. He is best known for his design of the New York Customs House and his busts of notable American public figures, including John Wells, John Jay, John Marshall, and Daniel Webster. Read More

Provenance

The John Frazee papers were donated by the sculptor's great granddaughter Marguerite Heath and grand niece Theresa Eliot in several increments between 1973-1978.

Related Materials

A few exhibition catalogs and printed materials microfilmed on reel 1103 were later transfered to The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery Library.

Language Note

English .

Location of Originals

• Some correspondence included in this collection are photocopies of originals that remained with the donors.

Digitization Note

The papers of John Frazee in the Archives of American Art were digitized in 2010.The bulk of the papers have been scanned and total 264 images.

Funding Note

Funding for the processing and digitization of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art