Leonid Berman papers, 1920-1981

Collection Information

Size: 6 Linear feet, (partially microfilmed on 5 reels)

Summary: Biographical materials, journals, sketchbooks, drawings, and photographs.

REEL 1310: A journal detailing Berman's life and career, giving his views on painting and art, and containing daily entries.

REEL 1339: 238 letters from Berman's brother, Eugene, and from his wife, Sylvia; three undated drawings, probably by Eugene; printed material; and postcards.

REEL 1497: A handwritten manuscript of a book written in French, FRANCE IGNOREE ET PERDUE, illustrated with photographs and postcards by Berman. The book was not finished.

REEL 1343: Five diaries, three of which were kept by Berman on a trip to Asia with his wife, 1955-1956.

REEL 1418: Two sketchbooks and several sketches of rural and seaside scenes, some annotated regarding colors to be used for the painting.

UNMICROFILMED: Personal documents; awards; biographical information; a genealogy; letters; memoirs; travel diaries; journals; a note book; a sketch; poems; eulogies; sales records; loan agreements; lists of Leonid's paintings; receipts for art supplies; mailing lists; funeral registers; clippings; printed material; exhibition catalogs; and photographs.

Biographical/Historical Note

Painter; New York, N.Y. Full name was Leonid Berman. Dropped his surname to avoid confusion with his brother, Eugene Berman, who was also a painter.

Provenance

Donor/Lender, Sylvia Marlowe Berman, is the widow of Leonid Berman. Correspondence, reel 1339, originally lent 1977 and subsequently given 1978. Material, reel 1497, originally lent 1979 and subsequently given 1982.

Language Note

Much of the material is in French.

Location of Originals

• REELS 1310, 1339 (Except correspondence), 1343, and 1418: Originals returned to lender, Sylvia Marlowe Berman, after microfilming.