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Klots family papers supplement

 Collection
Identifier: MS 3019

Abstract

This collection consists of exhibition catalogs, newspaper clippings, photographic materials, some correspondence, and two scrapbooks related to the Klots family. It primarily contains materials focusing on Trafford Partridge Klots' (1913-1976) career as an artist, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Dates

  • 1898-1983

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical Note

Trafford Partridge Klots (1913-1976) was the son of Alfred and Agnes Klots of Baltimore, Maryland. Both father and son were internationally known artists. Alfred Partridge Klots was born in Paris to American parents. He spent his childhood both in Europe and in Illinois. Agnes Boone Klots was from a prominent Baltimore family. Alfred and Agnes were married December 2, 1904. They moved to Alfred’s chateau in Rochefort-en-terre, Morbihan, France, where a daughter was born. Trafford was born a few years later in Rome, Italy.

Trafford’s education consisted largely of painting. He had several teachers of art to maintain originality. Trafford, through his extensive travels, was able to study the great masters. Trafford and his wife, Isabel, spent their time between Rochefort-en-terre, France, Maryland, and Florida where they mingled with high society. They had no children. Trafford died in 1976 of heart complications. His wife, Isabel, survives him.

Extent

4 Linear Feet (8 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The Klots Family Papers Supplement consists of three major series: 1) Trafford Klots’ personal papers; 2) Alfred and Agnes Klots’ personal papers; 3) Photographic Materials. The papers in this collection range from 1898-1983.

Each series is arranged by author and filed by subject. All undated material comes after the dated material. Series III is originally from Photo Collection B-50, Acc# 74529, given by Isabel Klots May 1979.

Series I: Trafford Klots, 1933-1983 (Box 1)

This series includes assorted biographical information, a scrapbook of newspaper clippings and exhibition catalogs, loose newspaper clippings and exhibition catalogs, notes on commissions, and various photographic materials. The bulk of this series ranges from 1958-1975.

Series II: Alfred and Agnes Klots, 1898-1918 (Boxes 2, 3)

This series includes assorted biographical information, general correspondence, the society visiting list of 1904, information on the Boone-Klots marriage, newspaper clippings and photographic materials of Alfred’s work, an unidentified portrait of a child, and Agnes’ personal papers.

Subseries 1: Agnes Klots’ Papers, 1915-1918 (Box 3)

This subseries contains a scrapbook of war related newspaper clippings and correspondence between Agnes and the military.

Series III: Photographic Materials, undated (Boxes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

This series contains various photographic materials, including negatives, color transparencies, color prints, black and white prints, brochures, exhibition catalogs, mounted photographs, postcards of the family estate, color slides, and photographs of the Klots family and friends.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Isabel Klots in March 2002.

Related Materials

MS 2404, Klots family papers, 1889-1978

Physical Description

The World War I scrapbook in Series II, box 3, is fragile.

Processing Information

The Klots Family Papers were donated to the Maryland Historical Society Library in 1979 with a supplement in 2002 by Isabel Klots. This collection is the second in a series of collections relating to the Klots family. The first collection (MS 2404) was donated by Isabel Klots in 1979 in memory of her husband, Trafford P. Klots, one of the creators of this collection. Isabel Klots donated the second collection (MS 3019) in 2002. Photo Collection B-50 was received from Isabel Klots as part of the MS 2404 gift but assimilated into collection MS 3019 to facilitate access.

Scope and Contents

The papers in the Klots family papers span almost 100 years, from 1898 to 1983. The materials consist of exhibition catalogs, newspaper clippings, photographs, and some correspondence, and have been arranged within the framework of three series by individual and material type (discussed in more detail in the series description). There are materials concerning Alfred P. Klots, Agnes B. Klots, and Trafford Klots.

The collection mainly focuses on Trafford P. Klots and his career spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s. These are the dates during which Trafford was most active as an artist. Most of the materials are exhibition catalogs. However, Trafford kept a large number of news clippings related to his exhibitions and social appearances. Trafford had an active social life, as indicated by the area newspapers. Trafford’s personal records in this collection are limited. There are some notes regarding specific commissions and shows. There are numerous examples in the form of photographs and negatives of his work and the settings in which they were displayed.

Other significant dates within the collection are 1915-1918. During this time, Agnes Boone Klots was heavily involved in World War I. She spent time in France as a nurse to the wounded. Later, she offered the family chateau to the American government for use as a hospital. There are several letters documenting her role in the War, as well as an extensive scrapbook of war-related newspaper clippings.

There are several more general materials relating to Alfred and Agnes Klots. There is a written account of Alfred’s mother, Mrs. Brown, by Sophronia J. Funk of Illinois. From 1904, there are invitations to the Boone-Klots wedding, as well as newspapers that record the event. In addition, there are a few examples of Alfred’s works. These are both photographic and periodical materials.

The Klots Family Papers Supplement gives a perspective of society and the role of art in it. Both Alfred and Trafford painted portraits of members of high society. Trafford is especially well represented in this collection. The numerous examples of his work document the portrait style popular at the time.

Title
Guide to the Klots family papers supplement
Status
Under Revision
Author
Caitlin Burmeister
Date
2003-06
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Revision Statements

  • 2020-03-30: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Sandra Glascock

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750