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Creator
Bernstein, Theresa
Call number
MssCol 18374
Physical description
.42 linear feet (1 box)
Preferred Citation

Theresa Bernstein letters to the Futransky family, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Theresa Bernstein (1890-2002) was an artist and writer known for her cityscape paintings of New York City. The Theresa Bernstein letters to the Futransky family (1958-1991) consists of 59 letters from Theresa Bernstein to the family written during the years as well as exhibition materials and poetry composed by Bernstein.

Biographical/historical information

Theresa Bernstein (1890-2002) was an artist and writer known for her cityscape paintings of New York City. Born in Philadelphia, she dropped out of high school to study at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, and graduated in 1911 after having studied with Harriet Sartain, Elliott Daingerfield, Henry Snell and Daniel Garber. After graduation she moved to New York and had her first solo art show in 1919. Her works were widely exhibited with the National Academy of Design and the Society of Independent Artists, which she founded with John Sloan. Her early work was often criticized for being masculine for the time. Bernstein received a boost in popularity during the womens movement of the 1970s. In 1919 she married artist William Meyerowitz, and they collaborated on many art shows together. Though the couple did not have children, Bernstein supported the musical talents of her niece, songwriter Laura Nyro. In the 1980s she published two books, William Meyerowitz, The Artist Speaks and The Poetic Canvas. In addition, she published Israeli Journal in 1994, a collection of prose, poems, and art plates. Bernstein continued to work past the age of 100.

Scope and arrangement

The letters include postcards, notes, and poems written by Bernstein to Pauline and Dan Futransky with whom she shared a close friendship. The letters contain personal sentiments such as birthday wishes and discussion about travel and the Futransky children, as well as discussion about her art and often the art of her husband. Many of the letters include poetry and catalogues or cards for Bernsteins exhibitions. There is also a separate folder containing invitations and catalogs for Bernstein and Myerowitzs exhibitions, as well as a folder of original poetry by Bernstein. Envelopes that have become separated from their letters are found at the end of the collection.

Arrangement

Alphabetical.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Pauline Futransky, 2010

Processing information

Compiled by Lea Jordan.

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright retained by any documents creator.