Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight papers, 1816, 1914-2008, bulk 1973-2001

This series contains extensive personal and professional correspondence, including postcards and greeting cards, with family, friends, artists, admirers (including students in a number of elementary and middle schools), university students, government agencies, art schools, galleries, museums, publishing houses, and others. Included in this series are condolence letters received by Gwendolyn Knight after Jacob Lawrence's death in 2000.

Notable correspondents include Charles Alston, Peg Alston, Romare Bearden, Langston Hughes, and Samella Lewis. Also included are letters from Jacob Lawrence's nephew, Terry Coles, and niece, Judy Payne.

Found among the correspondence are occasional requests for letters of recommendation from former students with photographic slides or other reproductions of artwork as attachments. Also found as attachments with other letters are newspaper clippings, newsletters, and photographs. Topics discussed include upcoming exhibitions, book projects, commissions, speaking engagements, award ceremonies, and other personal or professional matters.

Correspondence is arranged alphabetically by individual or organization name.