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Lindsay Hughes Cooper Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-013

Scope and Contents Note

The Lindsay Hughes Cooper Papers, dated 1935 to 1993, consists of diaries, correspondence, photographs, research notes, lecture, reprints of journal articles, and other miscellaneous material. Although the collection contains some personal material, the majority of the collection deals with Lindsay Hughes Cooper’s professional career in Kansas City.

Dates

  • 1935-1993

Restrictions on Access

Open to researchers. Appointments are necessary for the use of manuscript and archival collections.

Conditions Governing Use Note

Notification of intent to publish, quote, or cite archival materials is required. Contact the archives via https://nelson-atkins.org/library/.

Biographical / Historical Note

Ruth Lindsay Hughes was born in Bevier, Missouri on September 8, 1908 and she graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1931. She developed an interest in art from courses taken in college, and, two years later, Lindsay was able to secure a position at the as yet unopened Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She was initially hired to perform such tasks as sewing, dusting, and polishing however, her industriousness and intelligence eventually convinced Paul Gardner to let her write guide books to some of the rooms, give lectures, write plays for children’s classes, and develop a radio program to dramatize the collection. In 1935, when Laurence Sickman was hired as the Curator of Oriental Art, as the department was then known, Lindsay became his assistant. When Sickman was drafted into the Army during World War II, she took over as Acting Curator. Lindsay resigned from her position at the Gallery in 1946, due to her impending marriage to Frank Cooper. They then moved to New York where Lindsay took a job with the Asian art dealer C. T. Loo whom she had become acquainted with through his connection with the Museum. Due to Cooper’s business interests, they later moved to California and then to Iran, where Lindsay taught English as a second language. The couple returned to Kansas City in 1970 and Lindsay resumed her association with the Museum as Sickman’s assistant. She remained in this position for five years, until Sickman retired. Lindsay Hughes Cooper died on November 16, 1997, at the age of 89.

Extent

1.2 Linear Feet (In 2 legal document boxes and 2 half document boxes.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Lindsay Hughes Cooper Papers, dated 1935 to 1993, consists of diaries, correspondence, photographs, research notes, lecture, reprints of journal articles, and other miscellaneous materials.

Organization

The collection has been organized into five series: Diaries (Series I); Correspondence (Series II); Writings (Series III); Lectures (Series IV); and Miscellaneous (Series V). All series are arranged chronologically, except Series IV, which is composed entirely of undated material.

Immediate Source of Acquisition Note

Transfer; accession numbers associated with this collection are 1993-12 and 1996-02.

Accruals Note

Additions to the collection are not anticipated.

Related Materials Note

Department of Asian Art (RG 2); Lindsay Hughes Files (RG 92); Vertical File: Lindsay Hughes Cooper.

Title
Finding Aid of the Lindsay Hughes Cooper Papers, MSS 013
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Archives Repository

Contact:
4525 Oak St.
Kansas City MO 64111 United States
816-751-1354