John M. Donaldson papers, 1873-1938

Collection Information

Size: 0.11 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of Detroit-based architect John M. Donaldson measures 0.11 linear feet and consists of 31 items that date from 1873 to 1938. The papers include a letter from Frank Duveneck, 1877; a sketch of Donaldson, ca. 1876, by [James] Carroll Beckwith, alongside a note from Beckwith, 1913; letters from Gari Melchers, some of which are illustrated; obituary clippings on Melchers; photographs in the form of carte de visites, mostly of fellow art students in Munich, 1873-1877, including Francis Davis Millet and Frank Duveneck; and miscellany. Also included are several letters from Gari Melchers's wife Corrine to Donaldson's son, Bruce.

Biographical/Historical Note

John M. Donaldson (1854-1941) was an architect based in Detroit, Michigan. Donaldson was a friend of painter Gari Melchers. Donaldson's son Bruce (d. 1940) was chairman of the Art History Department at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Provenance

The John M. Donaldson papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in 1963 by Mrs. Alex G. Donaldson.

Related Materials

Also found in the Archives of American Art are the Bruce M. Donaldson letters from Gari Melchers, 1928 May 9 and May 22.

Language Note

English .