Richard F. Bach Papers, 1915-1962
Collection context
- Creator:
- Bach, Richard F., Geddes, Norman Bel, 1893-1958, Hepp, François, 1887-, and Unesco. Copyright Division
- Extent:
- 3 manuscript boxes
- Language:
- English , French , German .
- Scope and content:
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This small collection of Bach's professional papers contains primarily correspondence and papers related to his consulting work for the American Institute of Interior Designers and his correspondence with UNESCO and other organizations regarding laws against design piracy. The collection also contains correspondence, notes, and clippings concerning his research on industrial design topics, including the value of better design in industry, an ideal industrial design school, and specialized museums serving industries. Also included in the collection are typescripts and published copies of some of Bach's writings and lectures.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Born in 1888, Richard F. Bach became known as a supporter of collaboration between museums and the industrial arts and as an advocate for value of aesthetics in industrial production, a concept he termed "Art in Industry." He received his A.B. from Columbia University in 1909, was the Acting Librarian of Avery Library from 1918 to 1920, and held curatorial and education positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 1918 to 1952. During the latter 1940s, Bach corresponded with United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's copyright division, seeking support and guidance for design copyright legislation in the United States. From 1952 to 1961, he served as an educational advisor to the American Institute of Interior Designers. He was a prolific writer and lecturer, publishing numerous articles about American industrial art and a book entitled Museums and the Industrial World (1926). Bach died in his home in the Bronx in 1968.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
- Terms of access:
-
Columbia University is providing access to the materials in the Library's collections solely for noncommercial educational and research purposes. The unauthorized use, including, but not limited to, publication of the materials without the prior written permission of Columbia University is strictly prohibited. All inquiries regarding permission to publish should be submitted in writing to the Director, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. In addition to permission from Columbia University, permission of the copyright owner (if not Columbia University) and/or any holder of other rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) may also be required for reproduction, publication, distributions, and other uses. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of any item and securing any necessary permissions rests with the persons desiring to publish the item. Columbia University makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the materials or their fitness for a particular purpose.
- Preferred citation:
-
Richard F. Bach Papers. Located in the Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu