Kathleen Blackshear and Ethel Spears papers, 1920-1991

Collection Information

Size: 9.2 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of educators and painters Kathleen Blackshear and Ethel Spears measure 9.2 linear feet and date from 1920 to 1991. The papers focus primarily on Blackshear's career but also document the career of Blackshear's partner Ethel Spears, and the involvement of both women in the Chicago, Illinois art scene. Papers include biographical material, correspondence, handmade holiday and greeting cards, artist files, research and subject files, and printed material.

Biographical/Historical Note

Kathleen Blackshear (1897-1998) was a painter, writer, and educator. Ethel Spears (1903-1974) was a painter and educator. Blackshear and Spears were longtime partners and both were active in Chicago, Illinois. Read More

Provenance

The Kathleen Blackshear and Ethel Spears papers were donated in 1990 by William Terrell, Blackshear's nephew and executor.

Language Note

English .

Funding Note

Processing of this collection received federal support from the Collections Care Initiative Fund, administered by the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative and the National Collections Program