Glen Alps papers - Archives West

Glen Alps papers, 1941-2001

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Alps, Glen
Title: Glen Alps papers
Dates: 1941-2001 (inclusive)
19412001
Quantity: 17.19 cubic feet (18 boxes) plus 1 vertical file
Collection Number: 5152
Summary: Papers and printmaking materials of Glen Alps, professor of art and printmaking at the University of Washington
Repository: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions: Open to all users
Languages: English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Glen Alps was a professor of art at the University of Washington from 1945 to 1984; he is most widely known for his pioneering work in developing new artistic techniques, particularly in the area of printmaking.

Alps was born on June 20, 1914, in Loveland, Colorado. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Colorado State College in 1940, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1947. Alps also spent some time pursuing advanced studies at the University of Iowa. He joined the faculty of the UW School of Art in 1945, receiving tenure in 1954, becoming full professor in 1962, and retiring as professor emeritus in 1984.

Alps' specialty was printmaking. He was head of the printmaking department at UW from 1979-1984. He is best known for developing and promoting the technique of collography (a term he coined, fusing the words "collage" and "graphic"). He also pioneered a new technique involving burnt lacquer, and contributed to the development of the vitreograph and serigraph.

In addition to printmaking, Alps was also a sculptor and a designer and manufacturer of fine art printing presses. In the early 1950s Alps designed and made decorative screens, including one for the Seattle Public Library. In 1958 he exhibited his 3D sculptures, fireplace screens, and early collographs in a solo show at the Henry Gallery. In 1960 he designed a fountain for the Seattle Municipal Building.

Glen Alps passed away on November 3, 1996.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection spans Glen Alps' academic career and professional life, and includes correspondence, clippings, ephemera, teaching notes, photographs, slides, prints, print-making supplies, drawings, financial records, speeches and writings, publications, catalogs, audio recordings, film reels and other material.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Creator's rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries

Preferred Citation

[Title of item], [date of item if known], [box/folder number], Glen Alps Papers, [Accession Number], Special Collections Division, University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized into 2 accessions.

Accession No. 5152-002, Glen E. Alps papers, 1941-2001
Accession No. 5152-003, Glen E. Alps papers, 1944-1984

Processing Note

Minimally processed.

Separated Materials

Material Described Separately:

Glen Alps prints and drawings (Visual materials collection PH2016-025)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Accession No. 5152-002: Glen E. Alps papers, 1941-2001 (bulk 1962-1993)Return to Top

17.19 cubic feet (18 boxes)

Arrangement: Rough sort.

Scope and Content: Contains photographs, slides, prints, print-making supplies, correspondence, clippings, ephemera, teaching notes, financial records, speeches and writings, publications, catalogs, audio recordings, film reels and other material.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users

Acquisition Info: Source: Iris Nichols acting for the Alps estate, 2008

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Accession
1-6	5152-002	Papers Scope and Content: Includes correspondence, clippings, teaching notes, ephemera, publications, catalogs, speeches and writings, financial records, notebooks, grant applications, and curriculum vitae.	1941-1995; undated
5-10	5152-002	Photographic prints, slides and negatives	1955-2001; undated
box:oversize
18	5152-002	Mounted photographs	undated
Box
10-11	5152-002	Audiocassettes and reel-to-reel tapes	1964-1995; undated
11	5152-002	Film reels	1966-1968; undated
12-13	5152-002	Prints and print-making supplies	1987-1992; undated
box:oversize
14-15	5152-002	Prints and print-making supplies	1987-1992; undated
16-17	5152-002	Prints, ephemera, and oversize documents	1989; undated

Accession No. 5152-003: Glen E. Alps papers, 1944-1984Return to Top

1 vertical file

Scope and Content: Correspondence and brochures relating to art supplies, catalog of prints for sale, and materials pertaining to Alps' retirement

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: David F. Martin David Martin is co-owner of the gallery Martin-Zambito Fine Art., 2008-11-18

Archives West Finding Aid

Table of Contents