Archives of American Art
Ruth Duckworth papers
Duckworth, Ruth, 1919-2009
AAA.duckruth
Archival Resource Key
4.7 Linear feet
circa 1930-2010
The papers of sculptor and ceramicist Ruth Duckworth measure 4.7 linear feet and date from circa 1930 to 2010. The collection comprises exhibition files for Ruth Duckworth: Modernist Sculptor, a multifaceted retrospective of Duckworth's life and work; professional files including business papers, writings, and correspondence regarding Duckworth's professional activities; printed materials recording Duckworth's career; artwork that includes sketches of ceramics, figure drawings, self portraits, and paper cutouts; and photographic materials of Duckworth, her artwork and studio, travel in Europe and Japan, and personal snapshots.
English
.
Biographical / Historical
Ruth Duckworth (1919-2009) was a sculptor and ceramicist in Chicago, Illinois, known for abstract modernist forms that were heavily inspired by the natural world.
Duckworth was born Ruth Windmüller in Hamburg, Germany, as the youngest of five children. As a child, Duckworth was often sick and would draw in bed as a way to pass the time. It became evident that she had talent as an artist, but under the Nazi regime in Germany, Duckworth was unable to attend art school because her father was Jewish.
In 1936 she left Germany as a refugee to live in Liverpool, England, with her sister. She attended the Liverpool School of Art from 1936 to 1940. She then moved to Manchester where she began making puppets until she took work in a munitions factory to support the war effort. Around 1942, Duckworth moved to London with friends she had made at the factory. There she met and married artist Aidron Duckworth in 1949. She also became acquainted with other sculptors, including Lucie Rie and Henry Moore, who encouraged her to pursue sculpture.
Duckworth attended Hammersmith Art School, then taught at the Central School of Art and Craft from 1959 to 1964 before taking a teaching position at the University of Chicago in 1964. After feeling that her career had been slow to develop she enjoyed breakthroughs in the late 1960s and 1970s with the commissions Earth, Water, and Sky, for the University of Chicago Geophysical Science Building, and Clouds Over Lake Michigan for Dresdner Bank in Chicago. Duckworth and Aidron divorced in 1967.
In 1981 Duckworth met Thea Burger, while working on a commission for one of Burger's clients. The two realized they could both benefit from a working relationship where Burger worked as Duckworth's agent taking care of the business aspects of the sculptor's career while Duckworth focused solely on her artwork.
Burger organized Ruth Duckworth: Modernist Sculptor, a multifaceted retrospective of Duckworth's life and work, with curator Jo Lauria in 2005. A catalog that included written contributions by Tony Birks, Martin Puryear, and Jo Lauria and a short film titled, Ruth Duckworth: My Life in Clay, were created to accompany the retrospective. The exhibition opened in January 2005 at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Over the course of two years the exhibition traveled to the Chicago Cultural Center, Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Hoffman Gallery at Lewis and Clark University, Long Beach Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian Institution's Renwick Gallery.
Duckworth had intended to return to the United Kingdom later in life but continued living in her Chicago home and studio until she died in 2009.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged as 5 series.
- Series 1: Ruth Duckworth: Modernist Sculptor Exhibition Files, 1996-circa 2005 (1.0 linear feet; Box 1)
- Series 2: Professional Files, circa 1970-2009 (0.5 linear feet; Boxes 2, 6)
- Series 3: Printed Materials, circa 1970-2010 (0.2 linear feet; Box 2)
- Series 4: Artwork, circa 1935-circa 1985 (0.2 linear feet; Box 2)
- Series 5: Photographic Materials, circa 1930-circa 2005 (2.8 linear feet; Boxes 3-6)
Scope and Contents
The papers of sculptor and ceramicist Ruth Duckworth measure 4.7 linear feet and date from circa 1930 to 2010. The collection documents Duckworth's career through exhibition files, professional files, printed materials, artwork, and photographs.
Exhibition files are for Ruth Duckworth: Modernist Sculptor, a multifaceted retrospective of Duckworth's life and work organized by her agent Thea Burger and curator Jo Lauria. Professional files consist of business papers, writings, correspondence regarding Duckworth's professional activities, and files containing Burger's speech delivered at Duckworth's memorial service and sympathy letters received after Duckworth's death. Printed material consists of clippings, exhibition announcements and catalogs, and a few miscellaneous items. Duckworth's artwork includes sketches of ceramics, figure drawings, self portraits, and paper cutouts. Photographic materials picture Duckworth, her artwork and studio, and travel in Europe and Japan, and include personal snapshots.
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.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research. Access to original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C. Research Center.
Researchers interested in accessing born-digital records in this collection must use access copies. Contact References Services for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The Ruth Duckworth papers were donated in 2015 by Thea Berger, Duckworth's agent. A portion of this material had been lent for microfilming in 1977 by Ruth Duckworth. Additional contact sheets and negatives of Duckworth were donated in 2020 by photographer Cal Kowal.
Related Materials
Also in the Archives of American Art is an interview with Ruth Duckworth conducted on April 27, 2001 by Kenneth R. Trapp for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America at the studios of Smithsonian Productions, Washington, D.C.
Separated Materials
The Archives of American Art also holds microfilm of material lent for microfilming on Reel 1397 including biographical information, photographs, twelve silhouette cutouts, a scrapbook of clippings, and loose printed material. Loaned materials returned to the donor that were not subsequently donated are not described in the collection container inventory.
Preferred Citation
Ruth Duckworth papers, circa 1930-2010. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Processing Information
The collection was processed, and a finding aid prepared by Sarah Mundy in 2022.
Existence and Location of Copies
Material lent for microfilming is available on 35mm microfilm Reel 1397 at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Ceramicists -- Illinois -- Chicago
Sculptors -- Illinois -- Chicago
Women artists
Women sculptors
Women ceramicists
Sketchbooks
Jewish artists
Lauria, Jo
Burger, Thea
Ruth Duckworth: Modernist Sculptor Exhibition Files
Series 1
Archival Resource Key
1 Linear foot
Box 1
1996-circa 2005
Scope and Contents
This series documents Ruth Duckworth: Modernist Sculptor, the multifaceted retrospective of Duckworth's life and work organized by her agent Thea Burger and curator Jo Lauria.
The series contains catalog preparation material including drafts of Tony Birks's biographical essay about Duckworth, correspondence and contracts with Birks, correspondence with prospective U.S. and European museums explaining the retrospective, and research and correspondence regarding sources of funding through donations and grants. Also found are press and publicity files which include reviews and articles regarding Duckworth and the exhibition, installation photographs of the exhibition's opening at the Museum of Arts and Design, the exhibition outline and proposal, press release material including born-digital records, and administrative records such as loan documents, insurance forms, and exhibition agreements. Additional material related to the exhibition may be found in Series 2 and 5.
British Museums
Archival Resource Key
2002-2004
1
1
Catalog, Tony Birks Drafts and Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
circa 2004
1
2
Catalog, Section 1 - Tony Birks
Archival Resource Key
circa 2005
1
3-4
Catalog, Section 3 - Chronology
Archival Resource Key
circa 1918-circa 2005
1
5-7
Correspondence, Jo Lauria
Archival Resource Key
circa 2004
1
8
Correspondence, Jo Lauria Regarding Visuals
Archival Resource Key
2004-2005
1
9
Correspondence with Museums
Archival Resource Key
2002
1
10
Correspondence, Museums in England
Archival Resource Key
2001-2004
1
11
Correspondence, Museums in Germany
Archival Resource Key
2003-2004
1
12
Curatorial Services International
Archival Resource Key
1996-2002
1
13
Donors
Archival Resource Key
2001-2004
1
14
Exhibitions International / Robert Buck
Archival Resource Key
2002-2003
1
15
Exhibition Agreements
Archival Resource Key
2004-2005
1
16
Grants
Archival Resource Key
2001-2003
1
17
Insurance
Archival Resource Key
2004
1
18
Loans
Archival Resource Key
circa 2004
1
19-20
Museum of Arts and Design, Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
2002-2004
1
21
Museum of Arts and Design, Installation Photographs
Archival Resource Key
2005
1
22-23
Outline
Archival Resource Key
2001
1
24
Press Release Material
Archival Resource Key
2004-2005
Includes 1 electronic disc (3.5 floppy)
1
25
Press / Publicity
Archival Resource Key
circa 2005
Includes 1 electronic disc (3.5 floppy) in folder 27.
1
26-27
Press / Publicity, Ceramics Writers Research
Archival Resource Key
2002-2003
1
28
Proposal
Archival Resource Key
circa 2004
1
29
Professional Files
Series 2
Archival Resource Key
0.5 Linear feet
Boxes 2, 6
circa 1970-2009
Scope and Contents
The series contains files pertaining to Duckworth's career and Thea Burger's role as Duckworth's agent. A speech typescript Burger wrote for Duckworth's memorial service and sympathy letters to Burger after Duckworth's death illustrate their close friendship.
Business papers consist of inventories, sales records, price lists, and correspondence with Exhibit A Gallery, Jacques Baruch Gallery, and Thea Burger. Other correspondence is between Duckworth, Burger, Tanya Harrod, and others regarding travel to England, appearances on a radio program, and Duckworth's other professional activities. Also included is a paper on creativity by Duckworth, her speech given at the Ceramics Millennium Conference in Amsterdam, and a speech delivered to young people. Typescripts by Henry W. Rothschild, Dorothy Johnson, and Harold Haydon are about Duckworth as an artist. Also included in the series are a couple of Duckworth's portfolios containing photographs of artwork and printed materials, a file containing born-digital records and other material for an article Kerameiki Techni Magazine, and biographical writings about Duckworth. Some of the records in the series may relate to Series 1.
Address Book
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 2005
2
1-2
Scope and Contents
2 books
Biographical Writings
Archival Resource Key
circa 2005
2
3
Scope and Contents
Some writings are photocopies.
Correspondence Between Duckworth, Thea Burger, and Others
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930-2008
2
4
Correspondence Between Thea Burger and Tanya Harrod
Archival Resource Key
2002
2
5
Correspondence Between Thea Burger and NPR Radio (WBEZ)
Archival Resource Key
2002
2
6
Exhibit A Gallery
Archival Resource Key
circa 1972-circa 2000
2
7-8
Exhibit A Gallery
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
6
1
Letters to Thea Burger Regarding Duckworth's Death
Archival Resource Key
2009
2
9
Material for Article on Duckworth in Kerameiki Techni Magazine
Archival Resource Key
circa 2005
Includes 1 electronic disc (3.5 floppy disc).
2
10
Notes
Archival Resource Key
circa 1975-circa 1995
2
11
Portfolio
Archival Resource Key
2006-2008
2
12
Portfolio
Archival Resource Key
circa 2000
2
13
Price Lists, Thea Burger
Archival Resource Key
circa 2000-2008
2
14
Sales, Jacques Baruch Gallery
Archival Resource Key
1973
2
15
Typescripts by Duckworth
Archival Resource Key
1973-1999
2
16
Scope and Contents
Includes a speech given to young people, a paper on creativity presented at the University of Chicago, and a speech given at the "Ceramics Millennium" Conference in Amsterdam.
Typescripts About Duckworth
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
2
17
Scope and Contents
Includes writings by Henry W. Rothschild, Dorothy Johnson, and Harold Haydon.
Speech Typescript by Thea Burger and Memorial Program, Duckworth's Memorial Service
Archival Resource Key
2009
2
18
Printed Materials
Series 3
Archival Resource Key
0.2 Linear feet
Box 2
circa 1970-2010
Scope and Contents
Series includes clippings about Duckworth, her obituary, catalogs and announcements for Duckworth's exhibitions, and a file containing a few miscellaneous items.
Clippings
Archival Resource Key
1972-2010
2
19
Clippings, Duckworth's Obituary
Archival Resource Key
2009
2
20
Exhibition Announcements and Catalogs, Duckworth
Archival Resource Key
1977-2009
2
21-23
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-2003
2
24
Artwork
Series 4
Archival Resource Key
0.2 Linear feet
Box 2
circa 1935-circa 1985
Scope and Contents
The series contains artwork by Duckworth including paper cutouts of various shapes and a series of paper silhouettes. Also found are sketches and two sketchbooks of self portraits, figure drawings, ceramic designs, and Duckworth's signature.
Paper Cutouts
Archival Resource Key
circa 1940-circa 1975
2
25
Sketches
Archival Resource Key
circa 1935-circa 1985
2
26
Sketchbook
Archival Resource Key
circa 1973
2
27-28
Sketchbook
Archival Resource Key
1939
2
29
Photographic Materials
Series 5
Archival Resource Key
2.8 Linear feet
Boxes 3-6
circa 1930-circa 2005
Scope and Contents
Photographic materials of Duckworth include portraits by Cal Kowal and Jerome de Perlinghi, snapshots, and photos of Duckworth in her studio, with assistants, and her pets. Two photograph albums include a handmade album of a trip to Japan and an album with photographs of multiple European cities taken circa 1930. Most of the series comprises photographs of Duckworth's artwork which includes her commissioned works, sculptures, murals, "mama" pots, and small vessels.
Many of the photographs were received in labeled boxes. The box labels are included in the folders along with the set of photographs that were received in each box. Some material in the series may relate to Series 1.
Duckworth
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 1995
3
1-3
Scope and Contents
Includes photographs of Duckworth's studio, pets, and assistants.
Duckworth by Jerome de Perlinghi
Archival Resource Key
circa 2005
3
4
Duckworth Portraits by Cal Kowal
Archival Resource Key
1982
3
5
Duckworth Portraits
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 2003
3
6-7
Duckworth Portraits
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 2003
3
8
Duckworth Portraits
Duckworth Portraits
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 2003
3
9
Duckworth Portraits
Archival Resource Key
circa 1975-2006
6
2
Duckworth Portraits and Works of Art
Archival Resource Key
circa 1990s
3
10-12
Duckworth in Studio and Works of Art
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-1980s
3
13
Personal Snapshots
Archival Resource Key
circa 1980-1990s
3
14
Photograph Album, Duckworth Travel in Japan
Archival Resource Key
1990
3
15
Photograph Album, Europe
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930
6
4
Photograph Album, Europe - Loose Material
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930-circa 1980
3
16
Works of Art and Landscapes, Banff
Archival Resource Key
circa 1960-1977
3
17
Works of Art
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-1990s
3
18-23
Works of Art
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-1990s
4
1-4
Works of Art
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-2005
6
3
Works of Art, Book Rejections
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-1980s
4
5
Works of Art, Esther Saks Piece
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
4
6
Works of Art, Free Standing and Slabs
Archival Resource Key
circa 1960s
4
7
Works of Art, Geophysical Building
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
4
8
Works of Art, Hamburg Show
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
4
9
Works of Art, Mama Pots
Archival Resource Key
circa 1980s
4
10
Works of Art, Pots and Vessels
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
4
11
Works of Art, Rotterdam
Archival Resource Key
1970s-1990s
4
12-13
Works of Art, Sculptures
Archival Resource Key
circa 1980s
4
14
Works of Art, Small Sculptures
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970s
4
15
Works of Art, Small White Porcelains
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 1990
4
16
Works of Art, Vessels and Other Works
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-circa 1990
4
17-19
Works of Art, Wall Murals
Archival Resource Key
circa 1980s
5
1
Works of Art, Wall Slab Pieces
Archival Resource Key
circa 1960s
5
2-3
Works of Art, Wall Pieces
Archival Resource Key
circa 1970-1989
5
4