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Photographs of Anna Lea Merritt 2 linear feet; 1 container A versatile artist and writer, Anna Massey Lea Merritt (1844-1930) was born in Philadelphia to an affluent Quaker family. A prolific author, Merritt wrote and illustrated two books about Hurstbourne Tarrant, the English village to which she moved in 1891. In addition, she published articles about mural painting, gardening, and the obstacles facing women artists. As an artist, Merritt executed several major mural commissions, as well as portraits and easel paintings on literary and religious subjects. A member of London's Royal Society of Painters and Etchers, Merritt exhibited her work regularly at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Royal Academy in London, and the Paris Salon. The Papers of Anna Lea Merritt consist almost entirely of photographs ranging in dates from 1863 to 1922. The most valuable item in the collection is a photograph album of reproductions of Merritt’s work. Although the leather cover and binding are in poor condition and many pages are cockled, the photographs (many of which appear to be photogravures or albumen prints) are in good condition. The date the album was compiled is not known, but from the dates of works which appear within, an approximate date of 1922 can be ascertained. Merritt made numerous annotations throughout the album. Three mounted photographs are also included in this collection. Two are reproductions of works by Merritt, and the third is a view of the interior of the artist’s home at Tite Street, London. The remainder of the collection consists of review articles, a reproduction of a portrait of Anna Lea Merritt, and photographs of Merritt’s youngest sister, actress Marion Lea Mitchell. These photos document Mitchell’s life and career. The collection is divided into three series: Clippings, Photographs, and Album and is contained in one, oversized box, located in the Library and Research Center. The Anna Lea Merritt Papers were donated to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in December 1991 by David and Anne Sellin of Washington, D.C. In addition to the contents of the archival collection, the donation also included one oil painting (a self-portrait of the artist), two etchings, and one watercolor study, which are stored with NMWA’s permanent collection. Finding Aid for the Anna Lea Merritt Papers as PDF .Back to Special Collections | |
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