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William Wallace Gilchrist, Jr. collection

 Collection
Identifier: M243

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Scope and Content Note

Collection of materials gathered by Robert Griffin while researching and writing Affectionately, Wallace. The collection includes correspondence, family materials, information concerning Gilchrist's paintings, Robert Griffin's research materials, and images. The correspondence is principally between family members and includes letters written to Gilchrist, Sr., while a drummer in the Civil War and a series of letters by W.W. Gilchrist, Jr., to his father during his first trip to Europe. Family materials include genealogies of the Gilchrist and deSchweinitz families, a Gilchrist family scrapbook, and a journal with poetry kept by W.W. Gilchrist, Sr. The collection also contains a comprehensive list of W.W. Gilchrist, Jr.,'s paintings with accompanying data sheets and photographs of the paintings.

Dates

  • Creation: 1861 - 2000, undated
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1886 - 1926

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Historical Note

William Wallace Gilchrist, Jr., was born on March 2, 1879, to Susan "Maudie" Gilchrist and William Wallace Gilchrist, Sr., a celebrated musician and composer. Gilchrist and his siblings were raised with an appreciation for the arts, and William, Jr., showed an early affinity and talent for painting. He began his formal training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where he studied under some of the period's most influential artists, including Cecilia Beaux, Thomas Anshutz, and William Merritt Chase. Gilchrist also received instruction from Winslow Homer during annual summer vacations in Maine. Gilchrist married Lucretia deSchweinitz in 1901; they had three children: Peggy, Nelly, and Bill. The family settled in Philadelphia and spent time each year in Maine. Gilchrist died on November 4, 1926, of heart disease. Peggy's son, Robert Griffin, wrote Affectionately, Wallace, a biography of his grandfather, published in 2001.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection of materials gathered by Robert Griffin while researching and writing his book Affectionately, Wallace (about the artist William Wallace Gilchrist, Jr.) including correspondence, family materials, information concerning Gilchrist's paintings, Griffin's research materials, and images.

Organization and Arrangement

Organized in five series: Correspondence, 1861-1992, n.d.; Family Materials, 1878-1999, n.d.; Artwork Documentation and Ephemera, 1900-2000, n.d.; Miscellaneous Research Materials, 1880-1993, n.d.; Images, 1902-1988, n.d.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the William Wallace Gilchrist, Jr. collection
Date
2011
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.