George Biddle papers, circa 1910-1970

Diaries relate to Biddle's involvement in establishing the Federal Art Project of the New Deal, his murals at the Department of Justice which he writes about as he works on them, his involvement with artist organizations, his travels, and his literary and artistic friends including Bernard Berenson, Van Wyck Brooks, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Ezra Pound, Ben Shahn, Maurice Sterne, Max Weber, Edmund Wilson, and Marguerite and William Zorach. Later diaries reveal a concern with the popularity of abstract art after World War II, and the unpopularity of figurative art. Also found is a manuscript of a memoir by Biddle entitled "A Conversation with President Roosevelt."

Letters include three from William Hunt Diederich's daughter, who signs her name "Koukon," discussing her father. She writes about his work, the influence his late brother, Curt, had on his art, his studio in Paris, his alleged drug addiction, and an incident regarding his model of Venus. She thanks Biddle for reminiscing with her, and refers to Henry Poor, Anne Poor, Bessie Brewer, her sister Diana, and her brother Chappy. Also found are seven of her father's poems, which she has transcribed.

Additionally, there are transcripts of twelve letters from Biddle's friend, Bernard Berenson.

The series includes Biddle's certificate of appointment as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts, signed by President Truman, in 1950.

Artwork includes mural studies with sketches for Biddle's "Rio Mural," "Mexican Mural," and "Washington Mural," a study for an oil portrait of his son, Michael, and others. Sketches are in pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor.

Two glass plate negatives are of artwork by Biddle.

Dates of diary transcripts are in in parentheses, followed by dates the transcripts were produced.

Glass plate negatives have been digitized.