Eckstein (Hans) Research Files, 1897-1984 (bulk 1920-1984)

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Summary

Title:

Hans Eckstein research files

Dates:

1897-1984 (bulk 1920-1984)

Creators:

Eckstein, Hans, 1898-

Abstract:

This collection reflects the major research interests of German scholar, Hans Eckstein, from archaeology to architectural history, including historic preservation, the rebuilding of post-World War II German cities, exhibitions, and museums, as well as his large circle of colleagues and friends. Materials include primarily correspondence and manuscripts, but also clippings, publications, and photographs.

Extent:

2.5 linear feet (5 boxes)

Language:

Collection material is in German and English.

Preferred citation:

Hans Eckstein research files, 1897-1984 (bulk 1920-1984), Getty Research Institute, Research Library, Accession no. 910156.

http://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa910156

Background

Scope and content:

This collection, consisting primarily of correspondence and manuscripts, spans the years 1920-1984 (with the exception of the transcribed letters from Max Liebermann, dated 1897-1934). The archive reflects the major interests of Hans Eckstein, from archeology to architectural history. Numerous letters and essays deal with architectural theory, the preservation of historical landmarks, the rebuilding of German cities after World War II, and the mounting of exhibitions to display the work stemming from the Deutscher Werkbund and the Neue Bauen (modern architecture). Within the correspondence with artists is correspondence about the artist Josef Scharl which contains 49 photographs of his works dating from the late 1920s and 1930. A file of 24 letters with artist and designer Wilhelm Wagenfeld describes his works as well as his politics. Many other letters reflect Eckstein's wide circle of colleagues and acquaintances: writers, architects, artists, collectors, editors and publishers. Biographical writings on artists, critiques and reviews of architects, their publications and construction projects can be found here in manuscripts and in published pieces.

A small group of manuscripts, photographs, publications and newspaper clippings tell the story of Nicholas Roerich (Nikolai Konstantinovich Rerikh, 1874-1947), the Russian artist, philosopher, educator and explorer. This material also covers the founding of a museum, the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York, dedicated to his ideas.

Another series comprises thirteen photographs including five African images from the Han Coray Collection. Lastly, 28 transcribed letters from the artist Max Liebermann are addressed to various correspondents.

Arrangement note

The papers are arranged in 6 series: Series I. Correspondence, 1922-1984; Series II. Manuscripts, ca. 1930-ca. 1950; Series III. Deutscher Wekbund (DWB) and Neue Bauen, 1932-1980; Series IV. Nicholas Roerich Museum, 1929-1931, undated; Series V. Photographs, ca. 1934, undated; Series VI. Transcribed letters from Max Liebermann, 1897-1934

Biographical / historical:

Hans Eckstein, 1898-1986, was a German scholar and architectural historian. He studied with art historians Friedrich Gundolf, Karl Jaspers and Alfred Weber in Heidelberg and with Gerhart Frankl, Heinrich Wölfflin and Friedrich Wolters in Munich. He worked as an assistant in the Staatliche Museen in Berlin and in the Archäologischen Instituts Berlin. In 1925 he returned to Munich and worked as a journalist on the Frankfurter Zeitung and the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, as well as for other publications, writing primarily about archeology. Around 1927 his interests turned to art and contemporary architecture. He wrote numerous articles for journals such as Zeitschrift für bildende Kunst in Leipzig, Werk the Swiss Werkbund publication, Kunst und Künstler published by Karl Scheffler, Kunst published by F. Bruckmann, and Die Form, the journal for the Deutscher Werkbund. In 1932 he published two books, Neue Wohnbauten and Die schöne Wohnung and in 1938 Monographie Vierzehnheiligen and Künstler über Kunst. During World War II, Eckstein worked as a photographer and as a translator of essays by artists and architects. After 1945, he again worked as a journalist and editor and was active in the Deutscher Werkbund and the Freunde des Neuen Bauens, addressing issues in architecture and the politics of culture. He became director of the Neuen Sammlung in Munich 1956, concerned primarily with its collection of modern applied art and industrial design. Eckstein also participated in numerous exhibitions of decorative arts, furniture and design.

Acquisition information:

The collection was acquired October 14, 1992.

Processing information:

Rose Lachman processed the collection and wrote the finding aid.

Physical location:

Request access to the physical materials described in this inventory through the catalog record for this collection. Click here for the access policy.

Rules or conventions:

Archives, Personal Papers, and Manuscripts

Indexed terms

Subjects:: Architectural criticism--Germany
Architecture, Modern--20th century--Europe
Art critics--Germany
Art--Exhibitions techniques--Social aspects
Design--Germany--History--20th century
National socialism and art--Germany
Politics in art
Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Germany
Photographic prints--20th century
Photographs, Original

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid prepared by Rose Lachman.
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2016-04-20T13:58-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:: Open for use by qualified researchers.
Terms of access:: Contact Library Rights and Reproductions.