Marta Adams Papers, circa 1914-circa 1991

Collection Information

Size: 4.2 Linear feet

Summary: The papers of sculptor, painter, and writer Marta Adams measure 4.2 linear feet, and date from circa 1914 to circa 1991. In 1935, Adams made her first visit to Mexico, and began spending more time there than in the United States. There, she met Diego Rivera who stimulated her interest in oil painting. In 1952 she moved to Mexico permanently. Found within are biographical materials, correspondence, writings and notes, legal and estate papers, printed materials, photographic material, one mixed-media scrapbook, and artwork, including three portfolios of lithographs, 30 Grabados de Galo Galecio, 1946, containing 30 engraving prints by Galecio and Estampas de la Revolucion Mexicana , 1947, containing 85 engraving prints by 16 artists of the Taller de Gracia Popular, and Drawings: Seymour Swetzoff , 1949.

Biographical/Historical Note

Marta Adams (1891 or 1893-1978) was a painter, sculptor, and writer, active in Boston, Massachusetts and Mexico. Read More

Provenance

The bulk of Marta Adams papers were donated to the Archives in 1992 by the estate of Katherine Adams Kulmala (Adams's daughter) via Jonathan Strong, executor. In 1992, a sketch and a section of a watercolor were donated to the Archives by Phyllis Hughes, who purchased the artwork at an auction held at the Concord Art Association in Massachusetts. A small watercolor and letter by Marta Adams donated in 2023 by Sally Kuhn, a family friend.

Language Note

The bulk of the collection is in English; some records are in Spanish.

Funding Note

Funding for the processing of this collection was provided by the Smithsonian Institution Collections Care and Preservation Fund.