Manuscript Collection: Thomas Moran

Collection

Identifier: MC.1954.148

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Moran Papers comprise handwritten and typewritten primary sources as well as typed transcriptions of these sources. The collection includes correspondence, account books, published and unpublished manuscripts, autobiographical and biographical sketches, miscellaneous notes, published and unpublished articles, drafts of articles and manuscripts, diaries, newspaper and periodical clippings, photographs, pamphlets, and inventories of paintings and etchings, all related to the life and career of the artist Thomas Moran.

Collection Overview

Collection summary derived from "Guidebook to Manuscripts", 1969: Thomas Moran (1837-1926) was born in Bolton, England, and came to this country in 1844. The National Park program probably originated as a result of his scenic paintings of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite areas, and because of his active interest in the preservation of public lands of beauty and grandeur. This collection consists of letters to and from Moran, manuscript notes for articles, sketchbooks with pencil notations, and many lists of paintings which Moran did and those he sold-some with prices received, some including prices Moran thought they should be worth. Included also are a number of biographical sketches taken from various magazines written by such authors as Fritiof Fryxell, Harriet Sisson Gillespie, and some unpublished manuscripts (biographies) by his daughter, Ruth Moran. Many brochures concerning his exhibits are also included in the collection.

Dates

1863-1947

Language of Materials

Materials in English

Access Restrictions

Available by appointment only at the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) with the exception of materials with donor restrictions. Contact Library staff in advance to inquire if materials exist pertaining to your research interests.

Use Restrictions

Please contact the Rights and Reproduction Department for information on publishing or reproducing materials included in these records. Permission will be granted by the Gilcrease Museum as the owner of the physical materials, and does not imply permission from the copyright holder. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all necessary permissions from the copyright holder.

Extent

3 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Provenance

The Gilcrease Foundation acquired these materials before 1964 and is housed in the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR). The library currently receives most materials through community donation, board members, artists and the acquisition of manuscript collections.

Processing Information

Staff, interns, and volunteers of the Thomas Gilcrease Library and Archive have contributed to the organization and maintenance of the files since the collection passed to the City of Tulsa in the 1950s.