Call Number:

C1453

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Pierre and Dollie Chareau Collection, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1932-1998 (inclusive)

Creator:

Chareau, Dollie, 1880-1967

Form:

Correspondence -- 20th century

Abstract:

Louise Dorothee (Dollie) Dyte Chareau (1880-1967) was the wife of the architect Pierre Chareau (1883-1950), who is best known for the Maison de Verre, which was built from 1927 to 1932 in Paris. This collection consists mainly of correspondence between Harold Rubinstein (1891-1975) and Dollie Chareau, and between Michael Rubenstein (1920-2001) and Pierre Chareau scholars, including Marc Vellay, Margaret Antalopoulos, and Margaret Tallet.

Louise Dorothee (Dollie) Dyte Chareau (1880-1967) was born to Dr. David Hyman Dyte and Sarah Dyte in England. Although raised in a degree of privilege, Dollie was forced into the workforce at age fifteen when her father died. She first worked as a nursery governess to seven children and then became an English teacher in Paris. In 1904, Dollie married Pierre Chareau (1883-1950), a well-known architect and the son of winemakers Georges and Esther Chareau. Chareau designed furniture and worked as a decorator before serving in World War I; following his service, he became a decorator, private architect, and furniture designer in Paris. From 1927 to 1932, Chareau built the Maison de Verre for the Dalsace family, which propelled him into the public eye for his skills working with glass.

In 1940, the Chareaus left Paris to live in the United States due to anti-semitic laws. Pierre Chareau died in New York in 1950 and Dollie Chareau died in 1967.

This collection consists mainly of correspondence between Harold Rubinstein (1891-1975) and Dollie Chareau (1880-1967), and between Michael Rubenstein (1920-2001) and Chareau scholars, including Marc Vellay, Margaret Antalopoulos, and Margaret Tallet. These letters begin with Harold Rubinstein's inquiries regarding Dollie Chareau's family history, but, as a friendship develops between them, the letters become more personal and discuss the Chareaus' life in Paris and subsequent escape from persecution, and their new life in America after 1941. A letter in 1932, written during the construction of the Maison de Verre, documents the intense pressure placed upon architect Pierre Chareau and the worry of his wife on his behalf. After moving to the United States in 1941, letters describe the emigrants' dilemma of belonging and loss. After the deaths of Pierre (1883-1950) and Dollie, Harold Rubenstein's son, Michael, corresponded with several Chareau scholars and followed the exhibitions and scholarly debate surrounding the architect's reputation.

In addition to correspondence, the collection also contains several photographs of Pierre and Dollie Chareau, a monograph entitled "My Father," written by Dollie Chareau, and newspaper and magazine article clippings about Pierre Chareau and his work.

Arranged in chronological order.