Hale Woodruff letters

The Hale Woodruff letters consist of 30 handscript letters, dating from 1973 to 1978, from African American artist Hale Woodruff to his former student Mary Parks Washington. In 1973, Washington wrote to Woodruff to request one of his prints; their correspondence developed over the next five years into a a business relationship, with Washington acting as Woodruff's West Coast agent for sales of his prints. Much of the correspondence concerns the sale of Woodruff's prints and Washington's role as his agent. The letters provide a glimpse into the business aspect of an artist's life as the two discuss sales of Woodruff's works, collectors and museums. Travels by Washington and Woodruff are also discussed, and passing references are made of fellow artists Charles Alston, Jack Adams and Claude Clarke. Of note is a February 7, 1978, letter in which Woodruff offers his views on the role of race in the arts. Also included in the collection is a photocopy of a letter of introduction for Washington from Woodruff to the director of the Golden State Mutual Insurance Company, dated November 9, 1975.