archives.nypl.org -- Lincoln Kirstein papers (original) (raw)

This collection of the papers Lincoln Edward Kirstein cover the period from ca. 1917 to 1994 and pertain to public and private aspects of his life. This collection compliments the papers given by Kirstein to the Dance Collection in 1994 [*MGZMD 97].|||The diaries, that cover many of the years from 1919 to 1936, are an important part of the collection. Correspondence, both to and from Kirstein, and manuscripts of many of his extensive writings, make up the bulk of the collection.|||There are letters from Kirstein's family: Louis Kirstein, father; Rose Stein Kirstein, mother; Mina Kirstein Curtiss, older sister; and George Kirstein, younger brother. There are extensive files of correspondence and related matters for Elie Nadelman and Pavel Tchelitchew, for Kirstein was a friend and artistic executor of the estates of these artists. There are also many letters from the writer, Christopher Isherwood, and some from the poet, Marianne Moore. There is much correspondence and related material about Kirstein's interest in doing a book or major article on the art done by the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, and establishing a war art museum. Because Kirstein was an art collector with a serious interest in art, there is correspondence with artists and sculptors such as Astrid Zydower. Much of the general correspondence consists of requests for advice, information, jobs, letters of reference, tickets to performances. As Managing Director of City Center (1952-53), much correspondence during this period relates to those business activities|||A brief description of contents of folders or other information has been given when it could be of assistance to researchers. It is noted when items or letters are written by Lincoln Kirstein.|||Newsprint has been photocopied onto acid-free paper for preservation. The backs of pages of typescripts were occasionally used for writings on other subjects, which can be confusing.|||Photographs have been placed in separate collections (*MGZMB 99-1221 and *MGZEB 00-71) for better preservation of this type of material. There are personal photographs of Lincoln Kirstein, his family and friends, and photographs of artwork. A notice has been inserted into folders where photographs or other items have been removed.|||Language: In English with some French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish.|||In the following section, the Folder List, and the Separation List, LK refers to Lincoln Kirstein. NYCB refers to New York City Ballet.

The Lincoln Kirstein papers are arranged in thirteen series:

• contains diaries that cover most years from 1919-1936, and small engagement calendar/diaries for the years 1942-1994. The engagement calendar/diaries contain names and times of appointments, and an occasional list of names and telephone numbers Inserts are items that were folded into the pages of the diaries.
• contains letters, telegrams, memos and other items to, from and about individuals or organizations. The items in the Individual, Organization subseries are arranged alphabetically, and chronologically within the folders, which usually contain 3 or more items. The General subseries also contains items from individuals and organizations and is arranged alphabetically, with usually 1-2 items per entry. Unidentified or partially identified names are listed with as many letters as could be read and are included in the alphabetical lists, with a [?] for missing information. There are many items of correspondence that are xeroxes of original letters, especially for some members of the Kirstein family, Carlos Chavez, and Christopher Isherwood. “Goosie” is a pet name used by LK, and Fidelma Cadmus Kirstein for each other, and also used by.Mina Kirstein, and Paul Cadmus to refer to LK. There are 1,297 items of correspondence in the collection, of which 238 are by LK and are mentioned in the “description” column of the Folder List. all correspondence by LK is noted
• contains manuscripts/typescripts, some with corrections and some bound into books, for the following: juvenilia; books, monographs; plays; stories; poems; articles for journals, newspapers, magazines, catalogues; speeches and tributes. The articles are arranged under the newspaper, journal or magazine if more than one article, and then by general subjects such as dance and art.
• contains articles and reviews relating to LK, and miscellaneous articles on a range of subjects.
• contains files on subjects of interest to LK.
• contains extensive files on Elie Nadelman and Pavel Tchelitchew, including correspondence (both business and personal), information on works of art, typescripts of articles, and biographical material on the artists. The Nadelman subseries contains some of his original drypoints.
• contains files relating mainly to the establishment of a national war art museum, an application to the National Endowment for the Arts for the School of American Ballet, proposed repertory alterations for New York City Ballet, and a Karinska exhibit.
• contains files for seven ballets, most of which were probably the ideas of LK. files may contain correspondence and other background materials
• contains items by LK including juvenilia, and a watercolor sketch of a house; there are some drawings by others.
• contains LK's scrapbook of World War I clippings, maps, and pictures; others pertain to the School of American Ballet and the costume designer, Karinska.
• contains items about dance, New York City Ballet, the Army Corps of Engineers, World War II, and general subjects.
• contains personal LK items such as yearbooks from the Berkshire School, and his collection of cards and pictures of cats.
• contains LK's copies of books, journals, magazines, programs, and catalogues, containing his writings or writings pertaining to him. The items are arranged alphabetically by the title of the book or magazine. There are also other publications from his collection that do not contain his writings.