Jack and Irene Delano papers, 1731-2003, bulk 1920-1997
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Collection context
- Creator:
- Delano, Jack, 1914-1997 and Delano, Irene, 1919-1982
- Extent:
- 289.5 linear feet 329 boxes, 94 mapcase folders
- Language:
- English , Spanish; Castilian .
- Scope and content:
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The collection consists of professional papers, correspondence, photographs, music, writings, and artwork of Jack and Irene Delano. Materials document their work with the Farm Security Administration (FSA), public television station WIPR, and Puerto Rican government educational agency DIVEDCO (División de Educación de la Comunidad; Puerto Rican Division of Community Education), as well as many personal projects inspired by Puerto Rican history and culture. The collection contains black and white photographic prints and negatives, drawings, publication designs, fine art prints, posters, musical scores, screenplays, exhibit catalogs, and ephemera. Works represented include photography books Contrasts/Contrastes and Puerto Rico Mío and illustrated books Sabios Árboles, Mágicos Árboles, Los Aguinaldos del Infante, Los Milagros en Metal y en Cera de Puerto Rico, Plenas, The Conquest of Puerto Rico, The Emperor's New Clothes, En Busca de (In Search of) Maestro Rafael Cordero, and Coquí by Tomás Blanco. Also present are materials relating to documentary films by Jack Delano such as Los Peloteros, El Legado de Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, and La Gaceta.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Jack Delano (1914-1997) - Born Jacob Ovcharov in Ukraine, Jack Delano was a photographer, artist, and composer who lived in Puerto Rico. Delano attended the Settlement Music School and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied art and music. Early in his career he was a photographer for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). He moved to Puerto Rico after completing his service in the United States Army and worked as an illustrator, cartoonist, composer, producer, and film director. He served as Chief Administrator at WIPR-TV and created films at the Community Division of the Department of Public Education (DIVEDCO).
Irene Delano (1919-1982) - Irene Delano (neé Esser) was a graphic artist in Puerto Rico. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Delano attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and studied painting. She moved to Puerto Rico in 1946, where she designed publications for the Information Division of the Office of the Governor of San Juan. She established a graphic arts workshop and served as Director of DIVEDCO. She designed and illustrated posters, books, and tourism material and printed fine art.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
Portions of the collection contained mold, and as a result all materials were professionally cleaned. Although everything can be used in the reading room, patrons that are sensitive to mold may still experience a reaction to certain materials.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
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Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Jack and Irene Delano Papers; 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