John Taylor Arms papers

The John Taylor Arms papers hold both Arms’ personal and artistic records along with records of organizations and projects in which he was involved. The collection, which ranges from 1910-1952, is comprised of binders with written materials, photographs, academic notebooks, agendas, an address book, sketchbooks, journals and scrapbooks. The John Taylor Arms papers sheds light on the career of the architect and printmaker, regarded during the first half of the 20th century as one of the most eloquent exponents of the graphic arts.

The collection is divided between “Personal and Artistic Records,” and “Records of Organizations and Projects.”

“Personal and Artistic Records” contains the personal appointment calendars, an address book, consignment records, travel diaries, travel sketchbooks, and technical notes and records of John Taylor Arms. Additionally, it contains technical notes and records written by others, Arms’ family photos, and a scrapbook of Christmas cards sent to Arms. “Records of Organizations and Projects” contains meeting minutes of the Art Associate Representatives for the New York World’s Fair, materials related to the Society of American Etchers, exhibition catalogs of the National Academy, and materials related to Artists for Victory.

John Taylor Arms was an influential architect and printmaker during the first half of the twentieth century. The materials within the collection would benefit those interested in John Taylor Arms, printmaking and etching during the first half of the 20th century, and artist organizations such as the National Academy, the Society of American Etchers, and Artists for Victory.