Marion Greenwood Sketches
This collection consists of 11 sketch panels done by Marion Greenwood in preparation for her commissioned work for the University of Tennessee University Center in 1955. In 1954,The University of Tennessee had hired her to move to Knoxville for a year as an artist in residence, and create a mural officially to be called "The History of Tennessee." The sketches depict specific subject sketches of people, to be included in the finished mural, representing Greenwood's idea of the people in east, middle, and west Tennessee. In May 1970 when the campus was in chaos associated with the antiwar "strike," the University Center was occupied by students. The Greenwood mural was found defaced with gobs of oil paint. As the damage was assessed, it was attacked again with a knife. UT restored the painting, keeping it locked in the ballroom or under guard until 1972, when the university covered it with paneling.
Dates
- 1954-1955
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
Extent
1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of 11 sketch panels done by Marion Greenwood in preparation for her commissioned work for the University of Tennessee University Center in 1955. In 1954,The University of Tennessee had hired her to move to Knoxville for a year as an artist in residence, and create a mural officially to be called "The History of Tennessee." The sketches depict specific subject sketches of people, to be included in the finished mural, representing Greenwood's idea of the people in east, middle, and west Tennessee.
Biographical/Historical Note
Orginally from Brooklyn, Marion Greenwood (1909-1970) studied art at the Art Students League of New York and at the Académie Colarossi in Paris. Before she moved to Mexico, where she spent much of her adulthood working with the mercurial, controversial Diego Rivera, one of the most famous muralists of the century. She'd spent time in Europe during World War II, in China during the Revolution, and in Haiti between juntas. Fascinated with cultures different from her own, she drew and painted people working, dancing, living.
In 1954,The University of Tennessee had hired her to move to Knoxville for a year as an artist in residence, and create a mural officially to be called "The History of Tennessee."
In May 1970 when the campus was in chaos associated with the antiwar "strike," the University Center was occupied by students. The Greenwood mural was found defaced with gobs of oil paint. As that damage was assessed, it was attacked again with a knife.UT restored the painting, keeping it locked in the ballroom or under guard until 1972, when the university covered it with paneling.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated to the Special Collections in 1955.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository