Exhibition Records of the Clark Brothers Collect ,

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute:

A Guide to Exhibition Records of The Clark Brothers Collect, 2000-2006

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
225 South St. Williamstown, MA 01267

Arrangement of the Papers

Scope and Contents of the Records

These records relate to the 2006 exhibition, "The Clark Brothers Collect," as well as the fiftieth anniversary of the institution. In addition to the usual types of materials associated with exhibitions, this collection includes extensive research done on the history of the Clark family, Robert Sterling Clark and Francine Clark, and the early days of the museum. The materials are organized by subject, with records related to the exhibition itself following extensive materials collected in the course of researching Clark and his family. The majority of the material consists of photocopied articles, photocopies of items from the Sterling and Francine Clark Papers such as correspondence and diaries, and notes by various curators and other Clark staff members and contractors on their research. Some of the research came from the files of former director of the Clark, David Brooke. Some of this material is photocopied from his files, but more often it was removed from his records and placed with this research. No attempt was made to return Brooke's files to their original order in his records.

History of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

In 1950 Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art collection. Opened to public in 1955, the Institute has built upon this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment. One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a public art museum with a complement of research and academic programs, including a major art history library, the Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. Building upon the founders' legacy, the Institute has recently unveiled its master plan for the twenty-first century, which fosters the Clark's commitment to providing space for its expanding research and museum programs while maintaining the unique character of its beautiful rural setting.

Index Terms

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

This material is currently restricted.

Restrictions on Use

This material is currently restricted.

Administrative Information

Custodial History

These materials were assembled from a variety of sources, mostly in the Curatorial department.

Preferred Citation

[Cite the item (as appropriate)], Exhibition Records of Clark Brothers Collect, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Records, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Acquisition Information

These materials were transferred piecemeal to the Archives during 2008 and early 2009. Some were taken from the office of Kathy Morris, Director of Exhibitions & Collections and Curator of Decorative Arts; others were transferred upon the departure of James Ganz, Manton Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs.

Processing Information

Because there was little order to these records and they were assembled from a variety of sources, the Archivist rearranged the materials, organizing them by subject.

Related Material

Related material may be found in the Records and Papers of David S. Brooke and in the Sterling and Francine Clark Papers.