Description
Include papers of William Keith relating to his career as an artist; papers of his wife, Mary McHenry Keith, reflecting her
participation in the woman suffrage movement and humanitarian activities; papers of her parents, Ellen and John McHenry; papers
of her sister, Emma Pond, and her brother-in-law, Charles Fremont Pond, relating to his naval career, 1876-1918; papers of
the Ponds' daughter, Elizabeth Keith Pond, relating primarily to her interest in William Keith and to her travels and her
camping trips in the High Sierra.
Included also are miscellaneous papers of other members of the family and correspondence of Brother Fidelis Cornelius relating
to his biography, Keith, Old Master of California.
Background
William Keith was born in Scotland in 1838. He emigrated with his parents to the United States where he became an apprentice
to an engraver. In 1859 he came to California, became fascinated with its landscape and began to sketch and paint what he
saw. His work proved to be popular and his reputation was soon established. The resulting financial success allowed him to
study abroad several times. He produced hundreds of landscapes and portraits during his career, and his home in Berkeley became
a meeting place for university professors, writers and artists. When his San Francisco studio was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake
and fire, Keith began at once to replace the almost 2000 paintings which had been lost. He continued to work until a few months
before his death which occurred on April 13, 1911.
Extent
Number of containers: 23 boxes, 15 cartons, 2 oversize folders
44 digital objects (46 images)
Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Availability
Collection is open for research.