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Creator
Port Washington Public Library (Port Washington, N.Y.)
Call number
MssCol 4793
Physical description
2.2 linear feet (7 boxes, 371 media originals)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
Port Washington Public Library Gallery Talks, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply
Portions of this collection have been digitized and are available online.

The Port Washington Public Library produced "Gallery Talks" during which photographers, filmmakers and videographers were interviewed and gave screenings and slide presentations of their work. This collection contains audio and video recordings of the intervies and talks, slides used during the presentations, and files of printed material on the artists.

Biographical/historical information

In 1970, a New York State Council on the Arts grant enabled the Port Washington Public Library to originate a video project in which volunteers were trained to produce videotapes of community events. From 1970 to 1980, they produced over one thousand tapes. A few of these recordings were cleaned and copied onto VHS for the Library's Centennial Celebration by independent video maker David Shulman.

Between 1980 and 1987, NYSCA funding supported the continuation of the video project. Most of the five hundred tapes produced during this period are of interviews and gallery talks presented in conjunction with exhibitions at the Port Washington Public Library. There are also videos acquired from outside sources and produced by other companies.

Scope and arrangement

The Port Washington Public Library produced "Gallery Talks" during which photographers, filmmakers and videographers were interviewed and gave screenings and slide presentations of their work, unually in conjunction with exhibitions at the Library's gallery. This collection contains video and audio recordings of the interviews and talks, slides used during the presentations, documentaries screened at the Library, and artist files. The artist files contains resumes, vitae, biographies, brochures, flyers, clippings, postcards and catalogs about the artists and their work.

The Port Washington Public Library Gallery Talks are arranged in three series:

  • Interviews and Gallery Talks
    1973-1987

    Video recordings of artist's interviews and gallery talks presented in conjunction with exhibitions at the Port Washington Public Library. There are also videos about the artists, acquired from other sources, such as those recorded from television shows and produced by other companies

  • Artist files
    1971-1990

    Resumes, vitae, biographies, brochures, flyers, clippings, postcards and catalogs about the artists and their work.

  • Slides
    1975-1989

    Slides used in conjunction with artist's gallery talks and interviews.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Port Washington Public Library 1995. Transferred from NYPL Photography Collection to Manuscripts Division, 1999.

Processing information

Compiled by L. Reyman, 2011

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

Access restrictions

Audiotapes unavailable pending duplication and review.