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Edmund Kahn Collection of Charles Sheeler Materials

 Collection
Identifier: SC-010

Scope and Contents

This collection comprises research materials gathered by Edmund J. Kahn regarding the Charles Sheeler works in the Kahn collection. The information primarily relates to Suspended Power, but also contains information on Connecticut Power House most notably and others.

The collection includes correspondence, invoices, receipts, shipping orders, printed materials, and one photograph. Files organized alphabetically by subject, and relate to Charles Sheeler's art, in particular Suspended Power.

Dates

  • 1940 - 1984

Conditions Governing Access

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

Institution-wide restriction on publicly disclosing the purchase price or appraised value of a work of art (DMA Acquisition and Deaccession Policies and Procedures) or anonymous donor information may apply to this collection. This information is only accessible to DMA staff or representatives.

Biographical / Historical

Edmund J. (Eddie) Kahn was born in Dallas, Texas, October 18, 1904. In the 1940s he began collecting art by Charles Sheeler, and in 1982 purchased one of Sheeler's greatest works, Suspended Power. This work was donated to the DMA after Kahn's death.

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection comprises research materials gathered by Edmund J. Kahn regarding the Charles Sheeler works in the Kahn collection. The information primarily relates to Suspended Power, but also contains information on Connecticut Power House.

The collection includes correspondence, invoices, receipts, shipping orders, printed materials, and one photograph. Files organized alphabetically by subject.

Arrangement

Files organized alphabetically by subject.

Custodial History

The collection was donated to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1985. It remained in the Mayer Library until August 2000, when it was transferred to the DMA Archives.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Louise Kahn in honor of Edmund J. Kahn, her late husband, in 1985.

Accruals

Five copies of the December 1940 issue of Fortune magazine were purchased by William Rudolph, The Pauline Gill Sullivan Associate Curator of American Art, for display in the DMA exhibition Charles Sheeler's Power Series held in 2006. See pages 73-84 for article on Sheeler's Power Series "Power: A Portfolio by Charles Sheeler." This material is housed with the Kahn Collection due to the close subject relationship.

Other Descriptive Information

Art, Art collectors, Art objects, Factories, Hydroelectric power, Industrial facilities, Industrialization, Industry

Processing Information

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

Title
Finding Aid to the Edmund Kahn Collection of Charles Sheeler Materials
Author
Sammie Morris
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Dallas Museum of Art Archives Repository

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