Dear Librarian responsible for acquiring some
important lithographs interpretive of Americana:
It was 1988 when the well known Western artist
Ancel E. Nunn published a set of 40 lithographs that depict his lifetime amble
through Texas -- catching the essence of bygone days through memories invoked
with images of old army forts on the frontier, villages, farms, railroads,
terrain and even implements left to rust by those who work the land.
Printed on 13" x 20" archival paper giving a picture size of 13.25" h x
17.75" w, the lithographs are bound "portfolio" style in a sturdy cowhide cover
that permits their removal individually for perusal or display.
The portfolio fits into a handsome wood case made
by Nunn who titled the boxed set "Remnants of Change -- a sketchbook of
Texas". Of 100 produced sets, he sold 85 and kept the rest. Many
belong to historical or public libraries and university collections, some
recognized nationally. Those institutional owners report that the
lithographs are increasingly studied by scholars, and others, drawn to Texas
regionalism as well as its influence upon our national character. Nunn
died in 1999. His estate has elected to let other libraries, beyond Texas,
buy 13 of the leftover sets on generous terms. For the next few weeks, its
offer is tendered only to ARLIS members.
The estate has sought my counsel in placing sets,
as I was once Assistant Director of the Guggenheim Museum and am a consultant to
art museums besides claiming knowledge of visual materials scholars use in
their research. A set costs $2,900 that covers shipping to the buyer via
courier. Along with each set, as a gift, is a 128-page hardback book by
Samuel C. Woolvin of poems that Nunn's 40 lithographs -- seen on its pages --
inspired. Bearing the same title (Remnants of Change), the book is from an
elegant custom-bound first edition dated 1991. Within 3 weeks of a
set's arrival, the recipient can return it (and the Woolvin book) for full
refund.
You are invited to contact me for sought
information -- by voice (until 9 p.m. CST), fax or e-mail. I can lend
(for 3-4 days) the video of a lecture, about the set, where Nunn's widow -- who
closely collaborated with the artist during this drawn out project -- speaks of
each lithograph while leafing through the portfolio. Too, I have
commentaries by the museum that recently staged a special exhibition showing
every lithograph and from libraries having a set. Many historians,
connoisseurs and antiquarians deem Nunn's "sketchbook of Texas" a remarkable
statement to be treasured for many more generations as America rediscovers its
roots.
Dr. Everett Ellin
903-663-6969 (voice)
903-663-9336
(fax)