Letter from Karl Weston to S. Lane Faison

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute:

Letter, 1951 May 23, Karl Weston to S. Lane Faison

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
225 South St. Williamstown, MA 01267

March 31, 2009

Scope and Contents of the Records

Karl Weston was founder and director of the Williams College Museum of Art and taught art history at the college for many years. S. Lane Faison, a former student of Weston's, also taught art history at Williams and, in 1948, became director of WCMA. Both were involved in facilitating the founding of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. The Clark's first exhibition, an exhibition of silver of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries, took place May 13-May 27, 1951 in Lawrence Hall at Williams College since the Clark's museum building was not yet complete. Weston's letter contains a description of the opening gala and of Clark's collections and expresses immense enthusiasm for the museum. In addition to the letter, there is a note from Faison to David S. Brooke dated 1982 suggesting that the letter belongs at the Clark.

History of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

In 1950 Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art collection. Opened to public in 1955, the Institute has built upon this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment. One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a public art museum with a complement of research and academic programs, including a major art history library, the Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. Building upon the founders' legacy, the Institute has recently unveiled its master plan for the twenty-first century, which fosters the Clark's commitment to providing space for its expanding research and museum programs while maintaining the unique character of its beautiful rural setting.

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

This material is currently restricted.

Restrictions on Use

This material is currently restricted.

Administrative Information

Custodial History

This letter was in the possession of S. Lane Faison until he gave it to David S. Brooke in 1982. Brooke kept it in the director's vault along with the RSC materials.

Preferred Citation

[Cite the item (as appropriate)], Letter from Karl Weston to S. Lane Faison, May 23, 1951, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Records, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Acquisition Information

This material was aquisitioned into the Archives in February 2009.

Processing Information

The materials were placed in an acid free folder and box.