Art Commission scrapbooks
Collection REC0085 - RG 071. Public Design Commission
Abstract
This collection contains scrapbooks created and maintained by the Art Commission of the City of New York (1898-2008) from its inception in 1898 through 1967. The scrapbooks, organized chronologically, focus on public art and architecture and historic preservation in New York City.
Extent
13 cubic feet (23 scrapbooks and 1 box)
Dates
circa 1885-1967, bulk 1904-1965
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons are required to use microfilm to access this collection due to the fragility of its contents. Advance notice is required for using original material. Please contact us to arrange access.
Additional Description
Physical Location
Materials are stored at 147 41st Street in Brooklyn.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was transferred from the Mayor's Office to the Municipal Archives 2015.
Alternate Forms Available
This collection has been fully microfilmed. Microfilm is available onsite at 31 Chambers Street.
Index to Collection's Microfilm
- Volumes 1-3
- Microfilm roll no. 1, master negative no. 01051
- Volumes 4-7
- Microfilm roll no. 2, master negative no. 01052
- Volumes 8-12
- Microfilm roll no. 3, master negative no. 01053
- Volumes 13-16
- Microfilm roll no. 4, master negative no. 01054
- Volumes 17-20
- Microfilm roll no. 5, master negative no. 01055
- Volumes 21-23
- Microfilm roll no. 6, master negative no. 01056
- Box 1 (all folders)
- Microfilm roll no. 7, master negative no. 01057
Processing Information
In 2005, the collection was inventoried and arranged by staff archivist Steve Barto and then microfilmed in-house by archives staff, followed by treatment and rehousing by conservation staff.
Scope and Content Note
This collection of scrapbooks was created and maintained by the Art Commission of the City of New York (1898-2008) from its inception in 1898 through 1967. A minor portion of the first volume’s contents predate the Commission’s existence and were added either retroactively or by an unknown predecessor. There are twenty-three scrapbooks, as well as a box of clippings.
Over ninety-five percent of the contents in the collection are clippings (with some color rotogravures after 1950). Other materials include photographs, fliers, invitations, booklets, and other items. Topics covered by the scrapbooks usually revolve around public art and architecture and historic preservation. Two scrapbooks are dedicated to specific titles, with one titled "Portraits in City Hall," the other, "Monuments." Most of the scrapbooks have a subject index in the front of the volume. A quantity of clippings and other material from 1957-1965 were not placed in bound volumes and are housed by year and subject in a separate box.
Over ninety-five percent of the contents in the collection are clippings (with some color rotogravures after 1950). Other materials include photographs, fliers, invitations, booklets, and other items. Topics covered by the scrapbooks usually revolve around public art and architecture and historic preservation. Two scrapbooks are dedicated to specific titles, with one titled "Portraits in City Hall," the other, "Monuments." Most of the scrapbooks have a subject index in the front of the volume. A quantity of clippings and other material from 1957-1965 were not placed in bound volumes and are housed by year and subject in a separate box.
Arrangement
Most of the volumes and their contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, with some date overlap between volumes. These are followed by one box of loose clippings that are arranged by year and then subject.
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title
- Guide to the Art Commission scrapbooks, circa 1885-1967
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Alexandra Hilton
- Date
- 2020 September
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
-
Subjects