Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Papers of Charles William Smith, Accession #5791-d, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

This collection was made a gift to the Library by Madeleine S. Moss of Williamsburg, Virginia, on September 19, 2000.

Scope and Content Information

This collection, 1954-1983, consists chiefly of letters from Virginia artist Charles William Smith and his wife, Nora, to William and Madeleine Moss. Smith frequently writes concerning his painting and other work, including continued participation in University of Virginia matters, following his retirement as chairman of the Department of Art. Over the years, 1968-1983, Smith writes that he has been painting nearly everyday. In 1968, he mentions working on committees and doing consulting work at the University. During 1970, he mentions his decision to not have his exhibition, as the artistic (and other) return is often not worth the work involved and his mural for the bank in Richmond being completed. A letter in 1971 refers to the Virginia Museum and its attempt to raise funds, apparently in answer to Madeleine's inquiry concerning a dance idea she wanted to propose to the Museum. In 1972, he mentions that Lewis Mumford (1895- ) is in Charlottesville and is to receive the Thomas Jefferson medal for outstanding work in architecture. He also expresses concern for the state of affairs throughout the country, commenting that "nothing is ever settled by law, but only thru love of each other - Black - White - Jew -Gentile, etc." In 1973, he is doing a large job for the University's Cabell Hall, twenty years after originally doing the colors. In 1976, he mentions work being done on a monograph of his work in teaching and work as a professional artist. There is an interesting letter, December 1977, expressing Smith's thoughts on art faculty of institutions. He writes, "I think (sometime) that there are so many students that there are not enough good faculty to go around - most of them are failures in the field in which they wished to work, but found to their amazement that they could not making a living in what they want to do and 'took up' teaching in order to make a living - that I know is true in art - fortunately I have been able in a small [way] managed to teach and paint." In 1978, he comments on interesting things happening in Vermont compared to Virginia, where "some (a lot) of people here spend so much time being Virginians..." and Smith genealogy. Smith also expresses thoughts on pursuing a career in the entertainment or art field and gives advice to Madeleine concerning her desire to be involved in professional dancing. During 1979-1980, Smith continues painting and selling his artwork to interested patrons. He mentions the University has purchased some of his paintings for the library in the new law school. Letters during 1983 are more personal and reveal the infirmity of Charles William and Nora Smith.

There are examples of the artwork of Charles William Smith, in the form of greeting cards or notes; a keepsake printed at the Cockescraw Press for a luncheon honoring Smith on May 30, 1963; newspaper clippings; and autograph envelopes.