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Creator
Deming, Edwin Willard, 1860-1942
Call number
MssCol 766
Physical description
.4 linear feet (1 box)
Language
Materials in English
Preferred Citation

Edwin Willard Deming papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

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

Edwin Willard Deming (1860-1942) was an American painter and sculptor. He studied in New York and Paris and painted scenes from his visits with Indian groups in the Southwest and West of the U.S. Collection consists of correspondence of Deming with his family plus four photographs. Letters were written while he attended the Art Students League in New York City, and from Chicago, Mexico and Paris. Some of the letters include sketches done by Deming illustrating his experiences.

Biographical/historical information

Edwin W. Deming, an American artist, was born on August 26, 1860 in Ashland, Ohio. After spending his childhood on the plains, in the fall of 1880 his father sent him to study law in Chicago. Deming after three months of study decided on a art career, so in the Winter of 1883, he was studying at the Art Students League New York.

In 1884, having raised funds for tuition and traveling expenses, Deming went to Paris and studied at Julien's Academy under Boulanger and Le Favre, returning to the United States in 1855. Two years later he spent time among the Yuma Apaches and Pueblos of the Southwest and the Umatillas in Oregon. The summer of 1890 was spent with the Crows on the Little Big Horn and in the fall he was with the Sioux. Deming returned to New York in 1891, painting his studies made on these various trips.

During World War I, Deming instructed the Fortieth Engineers in marksmanship, active in camouflage work and was promoted to Captain in the Army. Deming is represented in many museums including the Black Hawk Museum in Wisconsin, the Museum of Natural History in New York and the Brooklyn Museum. A noted sculptor and painter, Deming received many prizes and awards. Deming died on October 15, 1942 at his home, 36 Gramercy Park, New York City. He was survived by his children John O., Hall M., Edwin Young jr., daughters Alden, Kathryn, and Mrs. Henrietta McDowell.

Scope and arrangement

The papers consist of incoming correspondence, 1913-1917; outgoing correspondence, 1880-1931 and photographs. The incoming letters focus primarily on Deming's work and are few. The main correspondent is Theodore Roosevelt. The outgoing correspondence focuses primarily on Deming's experiences in various locations. His letters relate to his daily activities primarily in New York, Chicago, Paris, the Southwest and Mexico. Deming sketched pictures on many of these letters illustrating things that he saw and experienced. These letters are addressed to his parents, sister Grace and his wife. It should be noted that none of the letters he received from his family are contained in the papers. The photographs were taken in the art studio with Deming and his fellow students.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

May 13, 1959, from Alfred Baker.

Processing information

Accessioned by Valerie Wingfield, 11/15/1985

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