LOT OF HAND-WRITTEN THOMAS HART BENTON AND RITA BENTON
Three Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) letters and three Rita Benton letters, all written to Mr. and Mrs. William Klein, Kansas City area friends and patrons of Benton. The letters span the period of 1966-1973, and give insights into Benton's lifestyle, personality, relationships, and work later in his life. One letter is signed with the full "Thomas H. Benton," while his other two letters are simply signed "Tom." One letter from Tom also has a paragraph written by Rita on the reverse. All correspondence from Tom is on his personal Strathmore Bond letterhead. Topics include visiting a hospitalized Benton in 1966, adjusting to life at Menemsha Pond on Martha's Vineyard, building Tom's first proper studio, Benton family life, Tom's wishes for "better formulas" to be devised for peace (presumably in Vietnam), gratitude of gifts from his patrons, an invitation to see new works in progress (specifically the wax form of the Forward Pass bronze and 1970's Self-Portrait), and an appearance on the ABC Evening News. Also included are an envelope addressed in Tom's hand, and a blank sheet of Thomas Hart Benton letterhead.
Condition Report: Letters range from good to very good condition.
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Three Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) letters and three Rita Benton letters, all written to Mr. and Mrs. William Klein, Kansas City area friends and patrons of Benton. The letters span the period of 1966-1973, and give insights into Benton's lifestyle, personality, relationships, and work later in his life. One letter is signed with the full "Thomas H. Benton," while his other two letters are simply signed "Tom." One letter from Tom also has a paragraph written by Rita on the reverse. All correspondence from Tom is on his personal Strathmore Bond letterhead. Topics include visiting a hospitalized Benton in 1966, adjusting to life at Menemsha Pond on Martha's Vineyard, building Tom's first proper studio, Benton family life, Tom's wishes for "better formulas" to be devised for peace (presumably in Vietnam), gratitude of gifts from his patrons, an invitation to see new works in progress (specifically the wax form of the Forward Pass bronze and 1970's Self-Portrait), and an appearance on the ABC Evening News. Also included are an envelope addressed in Tom's hand, and a blank sheet of Thomas Hart Benton letterhead.
Condition Report: Letters range from good to very good condition.
