Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions to access or use for research purposes.

Custodial History

The materials in this collection were transferred from the Art Department to the archives in 2008.

Biographical / Historical

Virginia Bedford was born in Columbia, Missouri in 1905. She earned a B.S. degree in Fine Arts from the University of Missouri in 1927 and her M.A. in Fine Arts from the Teachers College of Columbia, Missouri in 1931. Ms. Bedford joined the faculty at the State Teachers College at Farmville as an instructor in art in 1928. She was appointed chair of the department in 1942 and served in this position until her retirement in 1972.

Under Ms. Bedford's leadership, the Art Department at the State Teachers College (Longwood) expanded dramatically, growing in both faculty and students. In 1971, the new art building, Bedford Hall, was dedicated in her honor. Consequently, she was the first person in the history of Longwood University to have a building named in their honor while still teaching.

Scope and Contents

This collection includes newspaper articles about Ms. Bedford, information about the dedication of the Bedford Art Building, programs and posters related to her life and work, and a few photographs.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Art -- Study and teaching -- United States.