Overview
Collection Information
Size: 7 Volumes, (on 1 microfilm reel)
Summary: Scrapbooks compiled by Mrs. Marcel Duchamp containing: ca. 15 letters and telegrams to Marcel Duchamp, 1947-1967; poems sent to Duchamp from admirers; an essay on Duchamp by Guy Beatrice, 1954; transcript of an address given by Duchamp to the New York State Chess Association, 1952; an annotated transcript of a press conference interview at Knoedlers, 1967; printed material on Duchamp and others, including exhibition catalogues, announcements, invitations (some annotated by Duchamp), obituaries, and magazine articles; awards and an honorary degree; and miscellany, including a hairnet sent from Ray Johnson, a few photographs of his works, a poster, and airline tickets.
Biographical/Historical Note
Painter and sculptor. Born in France, Duchamp exhibited at the Armory Show in 1913 and came to the U.S. in 1915, staying with art patrons Walter and Louise Arensburg. During the First World War, he worked with the Dada group in New York. Duchamp became a U.S. citizen in 1955.
Provenance
Mrs. Marcel Duchamp placed the scrapbooks on deposit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, although she still retained ownership. The Philadelphia Museum of Art no longer has the original, but only a copy made from AAA microfilm. Family member, Jacqueline Matisse Monnier, Duchamp family member, retains the original.
Language Note
Some of the printed materials are in French, Spanish, and Italian. In addition, the essay by Guy Beatrice is in French.
