BIGGERS, JOHN THOMAS, 1924-2001.
John Biggers papers, 1950-2001

Emory University

Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library

Atlanta, GA 30322

404-727-6887

marbl@emory.edu

Permanent link: http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/910rd

Descriptive Summary

Creator:Biggers, John Thomas, 1924-2001.
Title: John Biggers papers, 1950-2001
Call Number:Manuscript Collection No. 1179
Extent:27 linear ft. (27 boxes), and 4 oversized papers (OP)
Abstract:Papers of John Biggers, African American artist, including correspondence, subject files, printed material, audiovisual material, and photographs.
Language:Materials entirely in English.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Gift/Purchase, 2011.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], John Biggers papers, Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Processing

Unprocessed collection.

Collection Description

Biographical Note

John Thomas Biggers (1924-2001), African American artist, was born in Gastonia, North Carolina. He attended Hampton Institute in Virginia and started taking art classes under the tutelage of Viktor Lowenfeld. Lowenfeld moved to Pennsylvania State University, and Biggers followed him to study in the art department there. He received his doctorate from the University in 1954. A few years earlier, Biggers had moved to Houston, Texas to establish the art department at Texas Southern University.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of the papers of John Biggers from 1950-2001. The papers include correspondence, subject files, printed material, audiovisual material, and photographs. The materials document his entire professional career, starting with this work at Hampton Institute, however, the bulk of the material relates to his work at Texas Southern University. The photographs and slides consist primarily of images Biggers used while researching and composing his murals, in addition to extensive documentation of his finished works.

Arrangement Note

Unprocessed collection.

Container List

Box Folder Content
1 - Mixed material
2 - Mixed material
3 - Subject files
4 - Subject files
5 - Subject files
6 - Correspondence and subject files
7 - Correspondence and subject files [includes letter to and from Victor Lowenfeld]
8 - Mixed material
9 - Mixed material
10 - Mixed material, primarily printed material
11 - Mixed material, primarily subject files
12 - Mixed material
13 - Mixed material
14 - Mixed material [includes early family material]
15 - Mixed material [includes sketchbook]
16 - Honorary degrees, Boston University regalia
17 - Mixed material
18 - Correspondence and subject files
19 - Printed material
20 - Printed material
21 - Correspondence, writings
22 - Oversized mixed material, audiovisual, folder of sketches, notecards
23 - Printed material
24 - Printed material
25 - Photographs
26 - Photographs
27 - Photographs
OP1-3 - Oversized material
OP4 - Oversized material; print: Prison for Momolu and Flumbo
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