George Nakashima (1905-1990) was an American architect and furniture designer and maker, often referred to as one of the fathers of the American craft movement. After being interned during World War II, Nakashima moved to New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and set up a woodworking studio. Between the 1950s and 1980s, Nakashima's furniture was in high demand; he had exhibitions all over the world and pieces were purchased and displayed in museums. George Nakashima papers, circa 1907-2000s, consist of letters, business records, sketches, handwritten notes, architectural drawings, photographs, catalogs, awards, subject files, printed material relating mostly to Nakashima's work as a furniture designer, artwork from Nakashima's personal collection, tools, and other materials documenting Nakashima's professional and personal life. There are also materials from his daughter, Mira Nakashima-Yarnall, related to her work and her book about her father. There is a small amount of materials...(see more)
Held at: James A. Michener Art Museum Archives [Contact Us]
William Arthur Smith (1918-1989) was a painter, illustrator, and photographer. In 1956, he moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania and established a studio and gallery in New Hope. Smith received several high profile commissions, traveled extensively, and has work in many major museums, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Library of Congress. William Arthur Smith papers, 1918-1989 (bulk 1930s-1960s), consist of biographical information, press clippings, exhibit catalogs, materials from travel and international exhibitions, business correspondence, personal correspondence, documents related to commissioned and non-commissioned artwork, lecture and presentation materials, materials relating to or from Pearl S. Buck and Carl Sandburg, photographs and negatives, honors and awards, materials from organizations with which Smith was involved, sketchbooks and original artworks, and other materials. There are several oversized items in the collection.
Held at: James A. Michener Art Museum Archives [Contact Us]