Collection on Egon Weiner

Collection

Identifier: MSS 163

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection on Egon Weiner, 197-1987 and undated, consists primarily of articles by or about Egon Weiner, along with press releases and promotional materials about exhibitions. It has been organized into five series: Personal, Correspondence, Writings, Publicity, and Photographs.

The Personal series contains biographical information, awards and citations, and obituaries and memorial information about Egon Weiner.

The Correspondence series includes letters between Egon Weiner and Harold Kambak, Director of Public Relations at Augustana College. There is also one letter to Weiner from Edward Ryerson regarding Ryerson's award of "The Pillar of Fire" from the Welfare Council of Metropolitan Chicago. This award was made from a cast of Weiner's original design of "The Pillar of Fire," which became a sculpture in Chicago commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

The Writings series consists of both published and unpublished articles and essays written by Weiner.

The Publicity series contains articles written about Weiner in various publications, press releases from Augustana College, posters, and programs and pamphlets that include examples of Weiner's work.

The Photographs series contains a photograph of Egon Weiner with Frank Lloyd Wright looking at the bust of Wright created by Weiner.

Dates

Creation: 1947-1987 and undated

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

Egon Weiner was born in 1906 in Vienna, Austria. He trained as an artist at the School for Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbe Schule) and the Academy of Fine Arts (Akademie der Bildenden Kuenste) in Vienna. He received an M.F.A. from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1933. He arrived in the United States in 1938 after fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria and became a citizen in 1944. He became a professor of sculpture and life drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, 1945-1971, and was visiting professor of art at Augustana College, 1957-1971. Aside from his work as an art educator, Weiner was a prolific artist whose work was highly acclaimed and exhibited widely. His work belongs to the permanent collections at the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts, Augsburg College, and Augustana College. Noted works by Weiner include "The Pillar of Fire," and "The Brotherhood Monument;" both are public sculptures located in Chicago. Egon Weiner died 28 July 1987 in Evanston, Illinois.

Extent

0.4 Cubic Feet (/ 1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Egon Weiner was born in 1906 in Vienna, Austria. He trained as an artist at the School for Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbe Schule) and the Academy of Fine Arts (Akademie der Bildenden Kuenste) in Vienna. He received an M.F.A. from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1933. He arrived in the United States in 1938 after fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria and became a citizen in 1944. He became a professor of sculpture and life drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, 1945-1971, and was visiting professor of art at Augustana College, 1957-1971. This collection of materials consists primarily of articles by or about Egon Weiner, along with press releases and promotional materials about exhibitions. It has been organized into five series: Personal, Correspondence, Writings, Publicity, and Photographs.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by folder.

Custodial History

Sherry Maurer (director of the Augustana College Art Museum) received the materials from the Augustana College Office of the President and donated them to Special Collections in 1989.