Vida Carney collection, 1937-1976
Collection context
- Creator:
- Carney, Vida
- Extent:
- 0.42 Linear Feet (1 document box)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Collection includes the portrait of Lawrence that the actress used on her own notecards, artwork, letters, programs, clippings, and a photograph.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Vida Carney was an artist whom Gertrude Lawrence (GL) commissioned artworks from in the 1948-1951 period. She was the daughter of Lilly Raymond Carney who was born in Presque Isle, Maine, lived in Salem, and died in Brookline, Massachusetts (1885-12/29/1959). Vida was the middle child and had two sisters, Marie, the oldest, and Louise, the youngest. Her father, Edward J. Carney (1878-1927) also from Salem, was an attorney. Lilly who was a clerk at the time of marriage was 23 and Edward was 30. They married in September of 1908.
Vida is listed in the 1920,1930, and 1940 census. In the 1940 census she is listed as age 25, single, home/ Boston Suffolk Massachusetts, Commercial artist, HS graduate. In the 1944 Directory of Brookline, Mass, she is listed under "artist" with the names of other artists in the city.
Vida Carney is buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Salem, Mass. She was 77/78. She is buried with her parents.
W. T. Grant, founder of the W.T. Grant stores in the early 1900s and founder of the W. T Grant Foundation, was a family friend who supported Vida throughout her life. Ruth Bedford was W.T. Grant's personal secretary, a good friend to Vida, and was the executor of her estate.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located onsite.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Vida Carney Collection; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu