Daniel Catton Rich papers

Daniel Catton Rich papers

Collection Overview

Repository:
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives.
Creator:
Rich, Daniel Catton, 1904-1976.
Title:
Daniel Catton Rich papers
Call Number:
M0014
Dates:
Undated, 1972, 1975
Volume:
.175 cubic ft. (1 box)
Biographical Abstract:
Daniel Catton Rich (DCR), 1904-1976, was a leading exponent of modern art. Over the course of his career he served as Director of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Worcester Art Museum. DCR also served as a Trustee for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Scope and Content Abstract:
The Daniel Catton Rich papers are comprised of the research notes of Daniel Catton Rich (DCR), Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Trustee, Vivian Barnett, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Curator, and Justin K. Thannhauser on art objects both in and outside the Museum's collection. Also included in the records are two pages from DCR's appointment book.
Location:
CF
Language:
Collection is primarily in English.
Arrangement:
Alphabetical.
Restrictions:
The collection is partially restricted.
Publication Rights:
Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Manager of the Library and Archives.
Preferred Citation:
Daniel Catton Rich papers. M0014. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives, New York, NY.
Subjects:
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Contributors:
Barnett, Vivian Endicott.
Thannhauser, Justin, 1892-1976.
Finding aid prepared by Rachel Chatalbash in April 2007.

Biographical Note

Daniel Catton Rich (DCR) was born April 16, 1904, in South Bend, IN to Daniel and Martha (Catton) Rich. He married poet Bertha Ten Eyck James on September 23, 1927 and together they had four children: Anthony Catton, Michael James, Stephen Ten Eyck, and Penelope. DCR received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago in 1926, and went on to Harvard University for one year of post-graduate studies in English and the Fine Arts. Throughout his career, DCR made significant contributions to the advancement of art. DCR was hired by the Art Institute of Chicago in 1927 as Editor of the Art Institute Bulletin. In 1929, he became Assistant Curator of Painting and Sculpture under the directorship of Robert Harshe, and was promoted in 1931 to Associate Curator of Painting and Sculpture, eventually filling the role of Chief Curator and Director of Fine Arts until 1958. In 1958, DCR he left the Art Institute to become Director of the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts. After his retirement from the Worcester Art Museum directorship in 1970, DCR served as Director Emeritus until his death in New York City in 1976.

DCR was a member of numerous national and internal art council and organizations: International Council of Museums (Paris); American International Academy; Association of Art Museum Directors; American Academy of Arts and Sciences (fellow); American Society of Aesthetics; American Institute of Interior Designers; American Antiquarian Society; American Cultural Society; La Societe des Rosettes et Rubans de France; Phi Beta Kappa; Cliff Dwellers Club; Arts Club; The Wayfarers Club; Art Directors Club (honorary life); Chicago Club; and Tavern Club. Over the course of his career, DCR also served on the Board of Trustees of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation; Marlboro College (VT); Chicago Educational TC Council.

Chronology

1927-39Editor of "Bulletin" (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1927-39Assistant Curator of Painting and Sculpture (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1929-31Associate Curator (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1931-38Curator (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1938-58Director of Fine Arts (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1938-45Director of Institute (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1945-58Trustee (Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL)
1958-70Director (Worcester Art Museum)
1960-1976Trustee (Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation)
1970-76Director Emeritus (Worcester Art Museum)

Bibliography

"Daniel Catton Rich, an Ex-Director Of Museums of Art, Is Dead at 72." New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Oct 18, 1976. p. 31.

Scope and Content Note

The Daniel Catton Rich papers are comprised of the research notes of Daniel Catton Rich (DCR), Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Trustee, and Vivian Barnett (VB), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) Curator, on art objects in and outside the Museum's collection. DCR's research notes specifically pertain to SRGM's Thannhauser Collection. The "Justin K. Thannhauser notes" are the notes co-authored by VB, DCR, and Justin K. Thannhauser on the works in the Thannhauser collection. Also present in the Daniel Catton Rich papers are pages from DCR's appointment book, which include reference to Edouard Vuillard's "Place Vintimille."

Folder List

BoxFolderTitleDate
Daniel Catton Rich
0005491Appointment Book undated
0005492Correspondence 1975
0005493Research Notes (restricted) undated
Justin K. Thannhauser
0005494Chronology of Thannhauser Galleries undated
0005495-7Notes (3 folders) 1972, 1975
0005498"Notes on His Own Biography" undated
0005499-11Vivian Barnett: Research Notes (3 folders) undated