Archives Scrapbooks

BUSCH-REISINGER MUSEUM

the changes in the collection since June 30, 1960. During this period of six years, 267 objects were acquired while 246 works of art were (where the conditions of the gifts permitted) exchanged, transferred or sold. Thus the 1966 inventory shows 79 fewer works of art than that of 1960. The general artistic quality of the collection has been greatly improved during the intervening years, however, and the chronological distribution has become more equitable. In 1960, modern works of art accounted for 85 1/2 percent of the entire collection. This imbalance has been modified, for the 1966 inventory shows that modern art is 73 percent of the total. The periods prior to 1800 show corresponding percentage increases.

The most important purchase of the year was a limestone epitaph made in Saxony in 1593 for Georg Maierhanser and his family. The work is a valuable teaching document which will prove of interest, not only to students of art history but also to those concerned with German language and with problems of Protestant theology. Among the objects acquired by gift, special mention should be made of a group of eighteenth-century German porcelain figures and two pieces of Delft faience presented by Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Plauter. These ceramics greatly strengthen the representation of secular art of the Rococo period.

Two major exhibitions were held: The Graphic Works of Paul Klee prepared by the Museum of Modern Art of New York and Eight Young German Artists circulated by the National Carl Schurz Association. A number of smaller special exhibitions were also arranged for specific courses in Fine Arts. Students in the museum training program prepared a special exhibition and catalogue entitled Spirit As Form: The Embodiment of the Awesome in Primitive and Contemporary Sculpture.

The program of public education, conducted by Mrs. Hugh Matthews, included Sunday openings, gallery talks and conducted tours for outside groups. Thirty-three such groups visited the Museum, most of them supplying their own docents. Four public concerts were offered by the Museum, thanks to the kindness of Mr. E. Power Biggs. Seven additional concerts held in the building were sponsored by outside organizations. During the 1965 Summer School, daily concerts of recorded music were held in the garden.

The lending of works of art, in a sense, is part of the program of public education. This is a service which enables a very wide audience to see and study some of the objects from the Museum and also brings to the attention of students and scholars from other institutions the rich resources of Harvard for the study of art history. During the course of the year, works of art were lent to thirteen American institutions in seven states and to seven European museums in four countries.

There are many ways in which the operation of the Museum could be enhanced. Additional exhibition space is needed for the display of the collection of Scandinavian folk art. The Museum lacks an adequate receiving and shipping room. The installation of an elevator would greatly increase the usefulness of the classrooms and seminar room on the top floor. The most pressing need, however, is an addition to the administrative staff. The entire program of activities at present is carried out by a part-time curator assisted by a secretary, the building superintendent and some of the Fogg Museum personnel. An added curatorial appointment would be a great stimulus to the development of the program and might well insure its continuity. A vigorous young scholar with some museum and teaching experience would greatly increase the effectiveness of the institution. It is not probable that a man having these qualifications could be attracted to the Museum because of the inadequate financial resources. Art museums and university art departments throughout the country at present are seeking able young art historians. The demand is great and the Busch-Reisinger Museum is not in a financial position to meet the competition of other institutions.

This pressing need for additional funds was recognized by an anonymous donor, who late in 1965 gave a modest new endowment known as a Fund for the Care of Collections. In making this gift, the donor stated that “care of collections” could be interpreted in the broadest way. He expressed the hope that his

The image is a page from a document detailing the operations and activities of the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Here's a detailed summary:

1. Collection Changes:

   • Between June 30, 1960, and the end of the period in question, the museum acquired 267 objects, exchanged 246 works of art, transferred or sold 79 items, resulting in a net decrease of 79 works of art.
   • The overall artistic quality of the collection has improved significantly over the years.
   • The chronological distribution of the collection has become more balanced, with modern art making up 73% of the total in 1966, up from 85.5% in 1960.

2. Significant Purchases:

   • A limestone epitaph from Saxony made in 1593 by Georg Mairhauser was a notable acquisition.

3. Exhibitions:

   • Two major exhibitions were held:
     • "The Graphic Works of Paul Klee" prepared by the Museum of Modern Art of New York.
     • "Eight Young German Artists" curated by the National Carl Schurz Association.
   • Special exhibitions included courses in Fine Arts and a catalog titled "Spirit As Form: The Embodiment of the Awakening in Primitive and Contemporary Sculpture."

4. Public Education:

   • The program of public education, led by Mrs. Hugh Matthews, included:
     • Sunday openings.
     • Gallery talks.
     • Tours for outside groups.
   • This program saw 30 groups visiting the museum, with many members being docents.
   • Additional public concerts were organized, notably sponsored by outside organizations.

5. Art Lending:

   • Works of art from the museum were lent to public education, broadening outreach and engaging a diverse audience.
   • The lending program involved works being sent to thirteen American institutions across seven states and seven European museums in four countries.

6. Operational Needs and Enhancements:

   • The museum lacks adequate exhibition space for Scandinavian folk art.
   • An elevator installation is needed to improve classroom and seminar room accessibility on the top floor.
   • Additional administrative staff is required to manage the expanded program.
   • A curator appointment would enhance the curatorial continuity and development of the program.

7. Financial Situation:

   • The museum faces a critical need for additional funds due to limited financial resources and competition from other institutions.
   • A donation in 1965 provided a modest endowment, termed as "Fund for the Care of Collections," with the donor expressing hope that it would be used broadly.

This summary encapsulates the operational context, educational efforts, exhibitions, and financial challenges faced by the Busch-Reisinger Museum during the period described.

The image shows two pages of a document from the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Here's a detailed summary of the content on each page:

Left Page:

• Collection Changes: Since June 30, 1960, the collection has seen significant changes. Over six years, 267 objects were acquired, while 146 works were exchanged, transferred, or sold. The 1966 inventory shows 79 fewer works of art compared to 1960.
• Artistic Quality and Chronology: The artistic quality has improved, but the chronological distribution has become more equitable. In 1966, modern works accounted for 85.5% of the collection, a decrease from 73% in 1966. This reflects an increase in modern art, which now makes up 85.5% of the collection.
• Significant Purchases: One notable acquisition was a limestone epitaph from Saxony, made in 1593 by Georg Mairhauser and his family. This artifact is valuable for teaching purposes, particularly for students interested in German language and Protestant theology.
• Special Exhibitions: Two major exhibitions were held: "The Graphic Works of Paul Klee" and "Eight Young German Artists" curated by the National Carl Schurz Association. Additionally, there were smaller special exhibitions and a course on fine arts for students.
• Public Education: The museum hosted various public education activities, including Sunday openings, gallery talks, and tours for outside groups. Thirty-three groups visited, many with their own docents. Four public concerts were also held, thanks to Mr. E. Power Biggs, and seven additional concerts were sponsored by outside organizations.

Right Page:

• Public Education Program: The lending of works of art is part of the public education program, providing a wide audience access to the museum's collection and attracting students and scholars from various institutions.
• Museum Needs: The museum needs more space for exhibitions, particularly for Scandinavian folk art. The current building lacks adequate receiving and shipping rooms, and the installation of an elevator would improve accessibility and the utility of the classrooms and seminar rooms.
• Staffing: The museum needs more administrative staff to manage the increased activities. An added curatorial appointment would be beneficial for the development and continuity of the program.
• Funding: The museum faces financial constraints, and the demand for young art historians is high. The document mentions a new endowment known as a "Fund for the Care of Collections" established by an anonymous donor, which aims to provide broader care for the collections.

Overall, the document highlights the museum's efforts in enhancing its collection, educational programs, and the need for additional resources and facilities to sustain its mission.

The image is a document from the Busch-Reisinger Museum detailing changes in their art collection and activities from June 30, 1960, to 1966.

Collection Changes

• Inventory Changes: Between June 30, 1960, and 1966, the museum's collection decreased by 79 works of art, from 267 acquisitions to 188.
• Artistic Quality and Distribution: Despite the reduction in the number of works, the overall quality of the collection improved significantly. The distribution of works by era became more equitable, with modern works accounting for 73% of the collection in 1966, up from 85.5% in 1960. This adjustment reflects a balanced representation of periods from prior to 1800 to modern art.

Notable Acquisitions

• Limestone Epitaph: A significant acquisition was a limestone epitaph from Saxony, dated 1593, made by Georg Maihauser. This piece is valuable for both art history students and those interested in German language and Protestant theology.

Exhibitions

• Major Exhibitions:
  • The Graphic Works of Paul Klee: Prepared by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
  • Eight Young German Artists: Circulated by the National Carl Schurz Association.
• Special Exhibitions and Courses: The museum also hosted smaller special exhibitions and courses, such as one on Fine Arts, where students prepared a catalog titled Spirit As Form: The Embodiment of the Awesome in Primitive and Contemporary Sculpture.

Public Education and Outreach

• Programs Conducted by Mrs. Hugh Matthews: Included Sunday openings, gallery talks, and conducted tours for various groups, totaling 30 tours with 300 docents.
• Public Concerts: Four public concerts were held, thanks to the generosity of Mr. E. Power Biggs. Additionally, seven more concerts were held in the garden.

Lending Program

• The museum lent works of art to 13 American institutions across seven states and seven European museums in four countries as part of its public education program.

Future Needs

• Enhancing Operations: The museum requires more space for displaying Scandinavian folk art and adequate storage and shipping facilities. An elevator is also needed to increase the usability of the classrooms and seminar room.
• Staffing: Additional administrative staff is necessary to manage the existing programs effectively.
• Curatorial Appointment: A curator is needed to enhance the museum's effectiveness, especially given the increasing demand for young art historians.
• Financial Resources: The museum faces a pressing need for additional funds to meet the competition with other institutions. This was addressed by an anonymous donor who established a Fund for the Care of Collections, emphasizing the importance of preserving the museum's resources.

The image shows a page from an annual report of the Busch-Reisinger Museum, detailing activities and changes over a period of six years since June 30, 1960.

Key Points from the Report:

1. Collection Changes:

   • Over six years, 267 objects were acquired, while 246 works of art were either exchanged, transferred, or sold, resulting in a net gain of 79 fewer works in the 1966 inventory compared to 1960.
   • The quality of the collection improved significantly, with modern works accounting for 8½ percent of the collection in 1966, up from 3 percent in 1960.
   • Major periods before 1800 showed notable percentage increases.

2. Significant Acquisitions:

   • A limestone epitaph from Saxony, created in 1593 for Georg Marhauser and his family, was an important purchase.
   • Gift acquisitions included German porcelain figures and eighteenth-century Delft faience.

3. Exhibitions:

   • Two major exhibitions were held:
     • "The Graphic Works of Paul Klee," organized by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
     • "Eight Young German Artists," sponsored by the National Carl Schurz Association.
   • Several smaller exhibitions and specific courses were arranged, including "The Embadiment of the Aveosome in Primitive and Contemporary Sculpture."

4. Public Education:

   • Programs conducted by Mrs. Hugh Matthews included Sunday openings, gallery talks, and conducted tours for outside groups, with around 30 groups visiting the museum.
   • Four public concerts were offered by the Museum, thanks to Mr. E. Power Biggs.

5. Lending Program:

   • During the summer of 1965, the museum's garden hosted concerts with works lent by outside organizations.
   • The museum lent artworks to other institutions, including Harvard, for study and exhibitions in the U.S. and Europe.

6. Space and Operational Needs:

   • The museum's current space was insufficient for properly displaying the extensive collection, especially the Scandinavian folk art.
   • An elevator was required for better access to various rooms and the top floor.
   • Additional staff was needed to manage the growing activities and visitor services.
   • The museum was seeking young art historians to enhance its educational offerings.

7. Funding and Future:

   • The museum faced a significant need for additional funds to meet these operational and expansion needs.
   • An anonymous donor had established a modest endowment fund known as the "Fund for the Care of Collections" in 1965.
   • The donor hoped this fund would inspire others to contribute to the museum's growth and development.

Overall, the report highlights the museum's efforts to enhance its collection, public outreach, and educational programs, while also addressing significant operational challenges.

The image shows two pages from a report or document detailing activities and changes at the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Here is a detailed summary of the content:

Left Page:

Changes in the Collection since June 30, 1960:

• Acquisitions and Transfers: Over six years, 257 objects were acquired while 146 works of art were exchanged, transferred, or sold.
• Inventory Comparison: The 1966 inventory shows 79 fewer works of art than in 1960.
• Artistic Quality Improvement: The overall quality of the collection has improved, with more valuable works being retained.
• Chronological Distribution: The proportion of modern art increased to 71% in 1966 from 51% in 1960, reflecting a shift towards modern art.
• Notable Acquisitions:
  • A limestone epitaph from 1591 by Georg Marthaler.
  • A group of 18th-century German porcelain figures and two pieces of Delft faience.
• Exhibitions:
  • Major exhibitions included "The Graphic Works of Paul Klee" and "Eight Young German Artists."
  • Smaller exhibitions and special courses in Fine Arts were also arranged.
  • A student-prepared exhibition titled "Spirit As Form: The Embodiment of the Aesthetic Principle and Contemporary Sculpture."
• Public Programs:
  • Public programs included collections, gallery talks, and conducted tours.
  • Thirty-three such groups visited, most with their own docents.
  • Four public concerts were offered, thanks to Mr. E. Power Biggs.
  • Seven additional concerts were held.

Right Page:

Public Education and Lending Programs:

• Concerts and Music: Daily concerts of recorded music were held in the garden court.
• Lending of Artworks: The museum lent works of art to various institutions for educational purposes.
  • Thirteen American institutions in seven states.
  • Seven European museums in four countries.
• Operational Needs:
  • Additional space is needed for display and storage.
  • An elevator would increase the usefulness of classrooms and seminar rooms.
  • Additional administrative staff is required.
  • The curatorial program needs more personnel.
• Curatorial Appointment: An added curatorial appointment would stimulate program development and ensure continuity.
• Young Scholar Program: A program for young scholars with museum and teaching experience is proposed to address staffing issues.
• Financial Resources: The museum faces financial constraints and seeks additional funds, including a recent anonymous donation for the care of collections.

The document highlights the museum's efforts to improve its collection, expand its educational programs, and address operational and financial challenges.

The image shows an open book with two pages visible, titled "BUSCH-REISINGER MUSEUM." The text discusses the changes in the museum's collection since June 30, 1960, noting the increase in works of art and improvements in the collection's quality. It mentions important acquisitions, exhibitions, and public education programs, including concerts and tours.

The text also addresses the museum's need for expanded exhibition space, better facilities such as an elevator and receiving/shipping rooms, and more administrative staff. The passage highlights the importance of curatorial appointments and describes the challenges the museum faces in competing financially with other institutions. Additionally, it references a donor who established a fund to care for the museum's collections. The pages are numbered 2 and 3.

The image shows two pages from a document or a book. The left page is numbered as "2" and the right page as "3" at the bottom, indicating that they are consecutive pages from a publication. Both pages have the title "BUSCH-REISINGER MUSEUM" at the top, suggesting the text discusses matters related to that museum.

The text on page 2 appears to detail acquisitions, exhibitions, and activities at the Busch-Reisinger Museum. It mentions the changes in the museum's collection since June 30, 1960, including statistics on new acquisitions and objects that were sold or transferred. The text also highlights pivotal acquisitions of the year, mentions the offering of courses in Fine Arts, and refers to public education programs. The last part of the page references the kindness of an individual named "Mr. E. Power Biggs," who seems to have supported the museum through concerts or other activities.

Page 3 continues with topics related to the museum, including concerns about the space available for exhibitions, and the importance of receiving and shipping rooms for artwork. It discusses the structure and staffing of the museum and highlights the need for young art historians to join the museum due to high demand and inadequate funds for purchasing art.

The font used is serif, typical for books and formal documents, and the text is justified, which is commonly used in formal publications for a neat and uniform appearance.

Although there is more text, a detailed transcription or in-depth analysis of the complete text from the image is not possible due to the limited resolution and the extensiveness of the content shown.

The image is a double-page spread from a book or report. The text is divided into two sections, each with its own heading, "BUSCH-REISINGGER MUSEUM" at the top of the left page and "BUSCH-REISINGGER MUSEUM" at the top of the right page. The left page discusses the changes in the collection of the Busch-Reisinger Museum since June 1960, including the acquisition of new objects, the transfer or sale of existing works, and the improvement in the quality of the collection. It also mentions notable acquisitions, such as a limestone epitaph made in Saxony in 1593 for Georg Mairhauser and his family, and special exhibitions, including "The Graphic Works of Paul Klee" and "Eight Young German Artists." The right page discusses the museum's role in public education, including the lending of works of art to other institutions, the need for additional exhibition space, and the importance of a curator and administrative staff. It also mentions the establishment of a Fund for the Care of Collections in 1965, which was donated by an anonymous donor.

The image shows an open book with two pages visible. The book appears to be a report or an article about the Busch-Reisinger Museum. The text is written in a formal and informative tone, providing details about the museum's collection, exhibitions, and activities.

On the left page, the text discusses the changes in the museum's collection since June 1960. It mentions the acquisition of 267 objects and the transfer or sale of 346 works of art. The text also highlights the general improvement in the artistic quality of the collection over the intervening years.

On the right page, the text provides information about the museum's activities and programs. It mentions the sponsorship of concerts by outside organizations, the lending of artworks for educational purposes, and the installation of additional exhibition space. The text also discusses the need for more financial resources to support the museum's operations and the potential benefits of adding a curatorial appointment to enhance the museum's teaching and research capabilities.

Overall, the image depicts a book that provides an overview of the Busch-Reisinger Museum's collection, exhibitions, and activities, highlighting the museum's efforts to improve and expand its offerings despite financial constraints.