Personal papers of Thomas Hart Benton
Overview
This collection consists of a manuscript of Hart's autobiography, An American in Art.
Dates
- Creation: 1889 - 1975
Creator
- Benton, Thomas Hart, 1889-1975 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
These materials are stored in the KU Annex off-site storage area.
All researchers interested in reviewing this material must consult Spencer Research Library Public Services staff (785-864-4334 or ksrlref@ku.edu, 9-5 M-F CST) no less than three days in advance of a planned visit. Be advised that drop-in requests for this material cannot be accommodated.
Conditions Governing Use
Spencer Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.
Biography of Thomas Hart Benton
Thomas Hart Benton, named for his great-uncle U.S. Senator Benton, was born in Neosho, Missouri on April 15, 1889. He studied at the Academie Julien in Paris from 1908 to 1911. He then settled in New York and painted in the Synchromist and Cubist style. In the 1920s, Benton broke away from modernist styles and switched to the Regionalist style, depicting scenes of American life. He focused particularly on working class and rural scenes and was known for his murals.
Benton became the director of the City Art Institute and School of Design in Kansas City, Missouri in 1935. He remained in Missouri for the rest of his life. After the decline of Regionalism, Benton began painting scenes of American history. He also wrote an autobiography titled An Artist in America (1937). His most famous murals are located in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City and in the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence.
Thomas Hart Benton died January 19, 1975.
Extent
.5 Linear Feet (1 document case)
Language of Materials
English
Physical Location
PP 51
Physical Location
Annex (Contact Spencer Library Public Services)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift, Thomas Hart Benton.
Subject
- Benton, Thomas Hart, 1889-1975 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Thomas Hart Benton Collection
- Subtitle
- Personal papers of Thomas Hart Benton
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by ad, 2005. Finding aid encoded by ad, 2005. Finding aid revised by mwh, 2021.
- Date
- 2005
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Finding aid written in English.
- Finding aid permalink
- http://hdl.handle.net/10407/6552901057
- Preferred citation
-
Personal papers of Thomas Hart Benton, University Archives, PP 51, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas
Repository Details
Part of the University of Kansas. Kenneth Spencer Research Library Repository