Scope and Contents From the Collection: The Beauford Delaney Papers consist of the artists’ personal and professional papers from the 1900s through the 1970s. This includes correspondence with colleagues, friends and family; photographs of Beauford and others; sketchbooks and notebooks; loose sketches and other artworks; exhibition materials; and printed material collected by Delaney. The bulk of the collection consists of materials collected and created during Beauford’s time in Paris, where he lived from 1953 until his death in...

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Beauford Delaney thanks Emery Delaney for his letters. He tells Emery that he believes Ogust Delaney will recover from her sickness. On the subject of illness, he writes that it is often through illness and difficulties that the greatest realizations about life are made clear. Handwritten.

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Beauford Delaney tells Emery Delaney about the harsh Parisian winter. He writes about the most recent Time Magazine, which contained stories of people that they knew. Handwritten.

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Emery Delaney writes to Beauford Delaney updating him on the family and their mother. Handwritten.

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Emery Delaney writes that he wishes Beauford Delaney would come to visit Knoxville. He recounts a trip that they recently took to the Smoky Mountains. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney writes that he hopes to see Beauford Delaney before the end of 1961. He is happy that Beauford Delaney is surrounded by friends and is praying for his quick recovery. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney writes that God is smiling upon Beauford Delaney, and hopes that his health continues to improve. He tells Beauford Delaney that he wishes that he would return to live in East Tennessee with the family. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney updates Beauford Delaney on the family and Knoxville. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney tells Beauford Delaney that he is working again in the church. He updates him on Ogust Delaney and the family. He writes that nothing has changed about their Vine Street home. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney thanks Beauford Delaney for his beautiful letters and tells him that not only is he an artist, he is also a philosopher. Emery Delaney writes that the old home was in too poor a condition to remodel. He tells Beauford Delaney to keep the faith and that they need to see each other. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney reminisces about his time with Beauford Delaney in Paris. He tells him that he and Imogene Delaney recently watched James Baldwin's interview on "Meet the Press", in which he describes the plight and desperate conditions of African-Americans. He tells Beauford Delaney that one day he would like to see James Baldwin in person. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney asks Beauford Delaney to consider returning to Knoxville to stay for the winter. He tells him that they owe it to each other to see more of each other. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney tells Beauford Delaney about the troubles with Sam. He writes that they should begin to make the arrangements for the family's trip to Europe. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney writes that he wishes to visit Beauford Delaney in Paris. He tells him that there is something important that they need to discuss which would be better done in person. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney gives him an update on the family. He wishes him well and hopes to see him soon. Handwritten.

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Emery Delaney writes about the natural beauty of East Tennessee and about the evils of mankind. He writes of his wish for Beauford Delaney and Joseph Delaney to come and visit together. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney tells Beauford Delaney about Ralph Williams, a gambler, who wanted his portrait painted by Beauford Delaney. Emery Delaney expresses his concern about Beauford Delaney's living quarters, telling him he should move to a place with better heating. He writes that he wishes everyone could get back together for one more Christmas. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney writes that he wishes Beauford Delaney would have stayed the winter with them in Knoxville, but also knows that everyone must live their own life. He tells Beauford Delaney about Joseph Delaney's exhibition at the University of Tennessee. Handwritten. Envelope attached.

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Telegram announcing that Junior Delaney has died of pneumonia. Typescript. Envelope attached.

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Emery Delaney writes to Beauford Delaney detailing Sam Jr.'s death and his funeral. Handwritten.