Abstract

The Parsons School of Design Centenary Oral History Project consists of recorded sound interviews with twelve individuals as well as two audio monologues by the project's manager, Martica Sawin. The interviews, recorded in 1994, cover the history of different academic departments and design disciplines over the course of the twentieth century as experienced by former and then-current instructors and administrators. Recordings are all in English.

Summary

Printed publicity materials including but not limited to circulars, mailers, promotional booklets and pamphlets, and postcards generally advertising Parsons School of Design, or a particular course or program of study not connected to a specific department. Also includes a small number of audiovisual recordings in various formats, presumably made for promotional purposes.

Abstract

This collection consists of records created and received by Parsons School of Design Presidents Sterling A. Callisen (president 1959-1963) and Francis A. Ruzicka (president 1963-1969), and records of the Parsons Academic Dean's Office and Business Manager from the 1950s-1960s. Contains correspondence, financial records, meeting minutes, and curriculum proposals. Some files are restricted. Please email archivist@newschool.edu for details.

Abstract

This ongoing oral history program documents the lives and work of designers, artists, and others active in the fields of art and design. Interviewees include Parsons School of Design alumni, faculty, and professionals without a direct Parsons connection.

Abstract

Contains records produced during Richard Yelle's term as department chair of Product Design (as well as its predecessors: Clay, Fiber, Metal Design; Clay, Metal, Textile Design; and Clay, Metal, Textile, and Product Design). Includes administrative records, information on competitions and exhibits, student work, course descriptions, and evaluations. Also includes examples of Yelle's professional work, and a poster for a Constantin Boym exhibit.

Abstract

The collection consists of 53 handwritten letters from Richard Tweedy during his time in Holland with William Merritt Chase's 1903 summer abroad program, and from a later period when Tweedy lived in Paris. (One 1906 letter is from his home in New Hampshire.) The letters are mostly addressed to Tweedy's mother, Mary Alice Belcher Tweedy, while a few are addressed to his brother and to his father. Typed transcriptions of each letter are included.

Summary

Canadian elementary school teacher Roy F. Fleming (1878-1958) produced the notebook and drawing in this collection while attending the New York School of Art (later, Parsons School of Design) between 1902 and 1907. Fleming's notes include sketches illustrating lectures by Frank Alvah Parsons, William Merritt Chase, and Robert Henri. The collection also includes a photograph of Fleming, his diploma, and a color chart created for art instruction.

Summary

Stanley Barrows (1914-1995) graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1940 and taught interior design there for over twenty years, becoming mentor to several generations of notable designers. The collection includes examples of student work compiled by Barrows, course outlines, class travel itineraries, photographs of Italian decorative styles, biographical material, and correspondence from Barrows related to his work as a designer and teacher.

Abstract Steven Guarnaccia (1953-) is an American freelance illustrator who served as chair of the Illustration Department at Parsons School of Design from 2004 to 2011, and as associate professor at the school until his retirement in 2021, where he taught courses on experimental children’s books and pictozines. The collection includes office files pertaining to special projects undertaken by the department, works professionally published by former students of the program, student-made posters, and...

Abstract

Sunbeam "Sunny" Randall (1898-1993) graduated from Parsons School of Design Interior Design Department in 1951 and worked as a professional decorator. The collection includes course materials, furniture and decorative style sketches, class notes, and a scrapbook documenting Randall's art tour of Europe as a Parsons student in 1950.