Robert E. Mates collection

Robert E. Mates collection

Collection Overview

Repository:
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives.
Creator:
Mates, Robert E.
Title:
Robert E. Mates collection
Call Number:
M0017
Dates:
Undated, 2007-2008 (bulk 2007)
Volume:
.35 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
Biographical Abstract:
Robert E. Mates (REM) served as a long-time photographer for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) through the tenure of two SRGM directors: Hilla von Rebay and James Johnson Sweeney. REM started work in the SRGM Photographic department under the supervision of Hannes Beckman and was eventually promoted to the head of the department.
Scope and Content Abstract:
The Robert E. Mates (REM) collection documents the history of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) through the eyes of REM. The content documented spans the years 1939-2004. Records in the collection include a poster, a booklet, compact discs, and unpublished manuscripts. The compact discs contain a written history by REM of SRGM exhibitions, artists, and the museum building along with accompanying photographs. The photographs are all in digital form.
Location:
CF
Language:
Collection is primarily in English.
Arrangement:
Alphabetical.
Restrictions:
This collection is unrestricted.
Publication Rights:
Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Manager of the Library and Archives. Materials in this collection may be protected under copyright.
Preferred Citation:
Robert E. Mates collection. M0017. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Archives, New York, NY.
Subjects:
Construction + architecture -- Museums.
Guggenheim, Harry Frank, 1890-.
Public buildings -- New York (N.Y.).
Rebay, Hilla, 1890-1967.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Sweeney, James Johnson, 1900-1986.
Wright, Frank Lloyd, 1867-1959.
Finding aid prepared by Kyung Eun Kwon and Archives Staff in December 2007, updated February 2010.

Biographical Note

Robert E. Mates (REM) served as a long-time photographer for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM) through the tenure of two SRGM directors: Hilla von Rebay and James Johnson Sweeney. REM began his work in the SRGM Photographic department under the supervision of Hannes Beckman, the creator and first director of the SRGM Photographic department and was eventually promoted to the head of the department. While REM was working for the SRGM, he began his formal education in photography. He attended the Brooklyn Museum of Art School and the School of Modern Photography. REM's work has been exhibited throughout the United States and Great Britain, and he was a member of the photographic societies of both those countries. REM also worked as a freelancer in portraiture and architecture, and produced a motion picture for the Joseph H. Hirshhorn Foundation.

Bibliography

Mates, Robert E. Photographing Art. New York: Amphoto, 1966.

Scope and Content Note

The Robert E. Mates collection documents the history of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (SRGM), through the eyes of Robert E. Mates (REM). The content documented spans the years 1939-2004. This collection is primarily composed of unpublished manuscripts, created by REM, and includes three compact discs and accompanying texts. The compact discs contain a written history by REM regarding the Guggenheim family, SRGM directors and the newly constructed Frank Lloyd Wright museum building. The compact discs also include photographs of SRGM exhibitions, artists, and the museum building from ground breaking to the opening day. The photographs are in digital form as JPEG image files. Historical explanations are provided with the photographs. Of special interest is a reproduction of a booklet which includes record of the museum’s opening ceremonies on October 21, 1959. Included are the texts of the speeches at the dedication, introductory remarks made by Harry F. Guggenheim and photographs of guests

Folder List

BoxFolderTitleDate
0005621Booklet, Reproduction: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1959 1959/undated
Manuscript
"1948 to 1949 and a Bit Beyond"
0005622-3Compact Disc 1 and Print Copy (2 folders) 2007
0005624-7Compact Disc 2 and Print Copy (4 folders) 2007
0005628Cover 2007
0005629"Breaking Ground": Compact Disk and Print Copy 2008
00056210"The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum": Print Copy 2008
0005131Poster: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, October 1959 2007
Photograph, Reproduction
0005132Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Main Entrance and Upper Ramp 1971/2008
0005132Sculpture Guild Outdoor Exhibition undated/2008
0005132SOHO undated/2008