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Marion Greenwood Sketches

 Collection
Identifier: MS-3750

  • Staff Only

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, Knoxville hired Greenwood for a year as a visiting professor and artist in residence, to 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 must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

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, Knoxville hired Greenwood for a year as a visiting professor and artist in residence, to 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

Originally from Brooklyn, Marion Greenwood (1909-1970) studied art at the Art Students League of New York and at the Académie Colarossi in Paris. In the 1930s she moved to Mexico, where she time with the mercurial, controversial Diego Rivera, one of the most famous muralists of the century. She also 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, and living.

In 1954, The University of Tennessee Knoxville hired Greenwood for a year as a visiting professor and artist in residence, to 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

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480