Archives of American Art
Raymond Saroff papers
Saroff, Raymond
AAA.saroraym
Archival Resource Key
1.2 Linear feet
1953-2009
The Raymond Saroff papers are dated 1953-2009 and comprise 1.2 linear feet. Letters, printed material and photographs compiled by Saroff document his interest in Claes Oldenburg and "Happenings." Also included are a videotape of Saroff's film Claes Oldenburg's "Ray Gun Theater – 1962" and receipts for artwork purchased for his modern art collection. The 2014 addition includes a catalog essay by curator and collector Howard Rose, Saroff's partner, for an exhibition of their folk art collection at Bard College (1991). Also found are financial records regarding his collections, related printed material, and photographs of artwork.
The collection is in English.
Provenance
Gift of Raymond Saroff, 2011 and 2014.
Processing Information
The collection was processed to a minimal level and a finding aid prepared by Margot Chandler in 2011. The 2014 addition was processed to a minimal level and the finding aid updated by Rachel Salzmann in 2015.
Preferred Citation
Raymond Saroff papers, 1953-2009. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Restrictions on Access
Use of original material requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C. Research Center. Use of archival audiovisual recordings with no duplicate access copy requires advance notice.
Terms of Use
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Biographical Note
Raymond Saroff (b. 1922), a resident of New York City, is a filmmaker and collector of both modern and folk art. Saroff pursued his interest in American folk art with his partner, Howard Rose, a scholar and art collector. In 1960, Saroff purchased Leg, a paper maché sculpture by Claes Oldenburg. Around the same time, he became interested in "Happenings." Using borrowed equipment, Saroff filmed a series of 1962 "Happenings" known as "Ray Gun Theater" that Oldenburg presented to small audiences in a storefront on East Second Street, New York City.
Scope and Content Note
The Raymond Saroff papers are dated 1953-2009 and comprise 1.2 linear feet. Letters, printed material and photographs compiled by Saroff document his interest in Claes Oldenburg and "Happenings." Also included are a videotape of Saroff's film Claes Oldenburg's "Ray Gun Theater – 1962" and receipts for artwork purchased for his modern art collection. The 2014 addition includes a catalog essay by curator and collector Howard Rose, Saroff's partner, for an exhibition of their folk art collection at Bard College (1991). Also found are financial records regarding his collections, related printed material, and photographs of artwork.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in 2 series:
- Series 1: Raymond Saroff papers concerning Claes Oldenburg, 1953-2009 (Box 1; 0.5 linear feet)
- Series 2: Addition to the Raymond Saroff papers, 1960-2009 (Boxes 1-2; 0.7 linear feet)
Photographs
Video recordings
Collectors and collecting -- New York (State) -- New York
Oldenburg, Claes, 1929-
Raymond Saroff papers concerning Claes Oldenburg
Series 1
Archival Resource Key
0.5 Linear feet
Box 1
1953-2009
Scope and Contents
This series documents Saroff's interest in Claes Oldenburg. Of note is Saroff's film Claes Oldenburg's Ray Gun Theater - 1962" . In 1962, ten "Happenings" conceived by Oldenburg known as "Ray Gun Theater" were presented in New York City at a store on East Second Street. Each evening-long event was filmed by Saroff, who then edited the film to approximately two hours before releasing it commercially. Correspondence concerns gifts and loans from Saroff's art collection. Financial records consist of sales receipts including one for his purchase of Leg. Printed material includes exhibition catalogs, clippings, and miscellaneous items. Photographs and a transparency are of Oldenburg's work in several media.
Letters
Archival Resource Key
1969-2009
1
1
Financial Records - Sales Receipts (A-Z by Gallery)
Archival Resource Key
1953-1985
1
2
Claes Oldenburg's "Ray Gun Theater - 1962" by Raymond Saroff (1962)
Archival Resource Key
1 Videocassettes (VHS)
1995
1
3
Printed Material
Archival Resource Key
1
Exhibition Catalogs
Archival Resource Key
circa 1960-1995
1
4-7
Clippings
Archival Resource Key
1960-1995
1
8
Press Kit
Archival Resource Key
1995
1
9
Miscellaneous Items
Archival Resource Key
1964-1995
1
10
Photographs of Artwork by Oldenburg
Archival Resource Key
1960s-1970s
includes 1 color transparency
1
11
Addition to the Raymond Saroff papers
Series 2
Archival Resource Key
0.7 Linear feet
Boxes 1-2
1960-2009
Scope and Contents
Correspondence pertains to sales and loans from Saroff's Oldenburg art collection as well as from the folk art collection developed and owned by Saroff and Howard Rose. Among the writings are Rose's published and unpublished manuscripts on American folk art. Financial records include a collection inventory with provenance, attribution, and price information. Also found are receipts from galleries and auction houses documenting loans and sales. Printed material includes clippings, exhibition announcements and catalogs. Photographs are of artwork.
Correspondence about Claes Oldenburg Collection
Archival Resource Key
1983-1985
1962
1
12
Correspondence about Sales and Loans
Archival Resource Key
1989-1995
1962
1
13
Writings by Howard Rose on American Folk Art
Archival Resource Key
1982-1990
1
14
Inventories of the Saroff and Rose Folk Art Collection
Archival Resource Key
1983-1995
1
15
Financial Records - Receipts for Sales, Deliveries, Consignments
Archival Resource Key
1984-1995
1
16
Printed Material
Archival Resource Key
1
Clippings
Archival Resource Key
1988-1992
1
17
Announcements, Invitations and Press Releases
Archival Resource Key
1963-1999
1
18
Exhibition Catalogs
Archival Resource Key
1965-1995
1
19
Film Catalogs
Archival Resource Key
1963-1988
1
20
Film Catalogs
Archival Resource Key
1963-1988
2
1
Periodical
Archival Resource Key
1967
2
2
Photographs of Artwork
Archival Resource Key
circa 1960-2000
includes slides and color transparencies
2
3