INSIDE SANDZÉN This feature, highlighting a discovery relating to Sandzén from the archives, will be periodically updated on the website and is planned for each issue of Gallery Notes.

Henry Varnum Poor (1887-1970), artist, ceramist, and friend of Birger Sandzén, is highlighted in the Spring 2003 issue of Gallery Notes because of a recent gift acquisition of one of his ceramic bowls by the Gallery. "Inside Sandzén" in this issue features four letters by Henry Varnum Poor to Birger Sandzén written in 1917, 1918, and 1921.

The letter dated 14 February 1921 concerns his transition from the West Coast to the East Coast, where he is building his home, Crow House, and a studio where he has finished four mural panels won in a San Francisco competition. The complete letter, with minor editing for ease of reading, follows.

Dear Birger Sandzén,

It's been a long time since I've written. One rush followed another. The building [Crow House, in Rockland County, New York, across the Hudson from upper New York City] went steadily until freezing weather, and we had a wonderfully late fall -then I got four mural panels in a competition out in S[an] F[rancisco] -decorative panels for two Shipping Board Ships. We came to N[ew] Y[ork] to do them, as my studio [part of the Crow House complex] was not finished yet.

I have a little breathing time before we go back to our house. About one month's work will finish it, then I'm going to start a pottery, to do large simple decorative pieces. This to take the place of teaching as an income maker, and also to give us joy in the doing.

The feeling of the unrelatedness of painting to our life "gets" me more and more, and I want to do more things than paint pictures. The joy and satisfaction in making the house has been tremendous, and the future work of carving and painting our huge beams and stones will be great.

For the artists who like the competition for shows and publicity -let 'em like it. For me, I want to make beautiful things so as to make our living as beautiful as possible, and where humans live in swarms like ants I don't think wholesome beautiful living is possible. I truly long for the disintegration of our civilization. This city, with its miles of sky scraping apartments, degrades human beings.

How have things been going? I am glad you've been selling so many things and that [Carl] Smalley [local McPherson, Kansas, dealer and promoter of art] has been doing so well. Are you thinking of coming East any time? How about that exhibition together in Sweden? I'll be ready for it in about 2 yrs. now.

[No record exists of such an exhibition taking place]

                                                                                                  Best regards to you and your.

                                                                                                             As ever,

                                                                                                             Henry

46 King St. till March 5 then Pomona, N.Y.

Gallery Notes is distributed to all Gallery members four times a year. New members who want to begin with the Spring 2003 issue, with its lengthy additional articles on Henry Varnum Poor as well as other Gallery information, should make a special note of it on their membership forms. A copy will be sent as long as supplies last. Research visitors and requests are always welcome at the Gallery Archives.

Inside Sandzen (2003 winter edition)
Inside Sandzen (2002 edition)
Inside Sandzen (2001 edition)
Inside Sandzen (2000 edition)
Inside Sandzen (1999 edition)
Gallery Archives
Letters and Papers