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New Museum Demolition and Construction Progress Photographs

 Collection
Identifier: PC-012

Scope and Contents

The collection contains photography documenting the site demolition and construction of the New Museum, 1981-1983, by J.W. Bateson Company, Inc., general contractors. The collection has been arranged in two series: demoltion and construction.

The demolition documentation spans 27 January-1 April 1981 and consists of Polaroid photographs afixed within specially designed folders. Each folder holds up to 12 photographs with each photo having a description of the view, date and photographer initials. Folders are arranged chronologically.

Construction progress photographs of the New Museum document the period from 27 October 1981-1 July 1983 and consist of black & white prints. The photographs were taken by Mel Armand Assoc (October 1981-June 1982) and L.M. Dale (July 1982-July 1983). Photographs were taken approximately monthly between October 1981 and December 1982; photographs were taken quarterly in 1983. Photographs were removed from the binder they were donated in and foldered. Photographs are arranged chronologically by date taken.

The collection includes the Letters of Transmittal for the photographs from J.W. Bateson Company, Inc. to the City of Dallas.

Dates

  • 1981 - 1983

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for public research. Researchers must make an appointment to view this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Please contact the DMA Archives regarding possible usage restrictions.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection contains photography documenting the site demolition and construction of the New Museum, 1981-1983, by J.W. Bateson Company, Inc., general contractors. The collection has been arranged in two series: demoltion and construction.

Arrangement

The collection has been arranged in two series: demoltion and construction.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Construction documentation photographs were in a binder retained by Thomas Oswald (architect), who at the time of construction may have been working for the City of Dallas or J.W. Bateson Company, Inc. (Contractors for the construction). Oswald gave the binder of photographs to Alan Bromberg. Anne Bromberg transferred the binder to the Archives.

The demolition documentation photographs were found while processing 2019.13 - New Museum Records [Director of Operations], 1976-1988 and separated from that collection.

Processing Information

Processing by Hillary Bober, completed 02/16/2012

Despite the differing sources, the similarity of content and original creator justify adding the demolition photos to the existing construction photography collection.

Additional description/notes were added for DACS compliance and ArchivesSpace local usage guidelines in 2021.

Title
Finding Aid to the New Museum Demolition and Construction Progress Photographs
Author
Hillary Bober
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2021-09-29: Photography Collection number assigned as identifier following new protocol. Former collection number was 2012.005.

Repository Details

Part of the Dallas Museum of Art Archives Repository

Contact:
1717 N. Harwood St.
Dallas TX 75201 US