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Sabine Lipten
Scope and Contents
The papers of Phillip Fike measure 3.2 linear feet and date from 1951-2010, with bulk dates from 1955-1997. The collection documents Fike's career as a metal-worker and professor through biographical material, correspondence, writings, professional files, printed materials, photographs and artwork. Biographical material includes a master's degree diploma, awards from the American Craft Council and Wayne State University, resumes, and a family tree. Correspondence is with friends, family, professional associates, galleries, and universities. Notable correspondents include the American Craft Council, Wayne State University, and artist Sam Maloof, among others. Writings include studio notebooks, artist statements, speech drafts and poetry. Also found are extensive notes for Fike's chapter on niello that appeared in the monograph, Metals Technic: a Collection of Techniques for Metal Smiths, Brynmorgen Press, 1992. Professional Files document Fike's involvement in art organizations, his teaching career and various projects he worked on throughout his artistic career. Also found are financial documents related to the creation, sale and exhibition of his work. Documents include association meeting minutes, shipping and material sale receipts, fellowship applications and nominations, and project and workshop planning documents. Printed material includes small exhibition catalogs and announcements, and newspaper and magazine clippings representing all stages of Fike's career. Photographs are of Fike at work, in galleries, and his metal pieces. Works of art include annotated technical and design planning sketches of Fike's jewelry and sculptures, as well as niello prints.
There is a 1.0 linear foot unprocessed addition to this collection donated in 2024 that includes notes and writings; photographs and negatives of works of art; correspondence; biographical information; drawings; teaching material; printed material; interviews, lectures and conversations on video and audio cassettes and mini cassettes; a VHS tape, Ann Orr Memorial Lecture, 1997. Materials date from circa 1955-1997.
Language
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated 2013 by Clare Brackett Morison, Phillip Fike's partner, via Ayers Morison Jr., estate of Clare Brackett Morison and in 2024 by Jan Yager, a colleague of Fike's.
Funding
Sponsor
The processing of this collection received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care and Preservation Fund, administered by the National Collections Program and the Smithsonian Collections Advisory Committee.
Processing Information
The collection was processed, and a finding aid prepared by Sabine Lipten in 2023.
