Alvin L. Gittins (1922-1981) was born in Kidderminster, Worcester, England, and came to the United States as an exchange student in 1946. He graduated with a B.A. from Brigham Young University in 1947 and was appointed to the University of Utah Art Department faculty in that same year. He served as head of the university's Art Department from 1956 to 1962.
The Alvin L. Gittins papers (1870-1987) contain correspondence, biographical information, news clippings, day books, financial records, travel documents, lecture materials, and drawings related to the personal and professional life of Alvin Gittins (1922-1981), a portraitist and teacher. Material concerning Gittins' personal life, dating from 1932 to 1987, is located in boxes 1-4. Included are correspondence, school and LDS Church records, University of Utah contracts and benefits information, medical and insurance records (focusing on his first wife, Gwendolyn), and information on his immigration and his divorce. Of interest are some mortgage indentures, located in box 4, folder 8, dating from the 1880s. Day books, notebooks, and address books are found in box 5 and date from the 1960s to 1981. Tax documents and receipts, dating from 1948 to the 1970s, are housed in boxes 6-7. Bank statements, checks, and other financial documents are housed in boxes 8-14 and date from 1946 to 1971.
Documents concerning art work painted by Gittins can be found in boxes 15-17 and include information on his exhibits, awards, and sales. These documents date from the 1940s to 1980. Materials related to Gittins' tenure at the University of Utah are located in boxes 18-24 and date from 1946 to 1980. Included are correspondence, invoices, faculty and university publications, travel documents, and notes and publications on the Reynold's lecture given by Gittins. His involvement in cultural and civic activities is reflected in box 25. Information, dating from the 1950s to the 1970s, on the Salt Lake Cultural Activities Committee, the Salt Lake Art Center, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and other institutions is included. Undated, blank postcards collected by Gittins are also in box 25. Box 26 houses oversize materials including a Board of Education Examinations in Art Certificate, 1940; reprints of portraits by Gittins, 1948 and 1958 to 1959; reprints of
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
An oil painting entitled, "Portrait of Brigham Young" [1870] by J. A. Ursenbach has been removed and placed into Reserve. Please contact the Manuscripts curator for access.
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's
Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.
Boxes 1-26 were donated in 1986 by the University of Utah Department of Art (14.5 linear feet).
Box/cartons 27-29 were donated in 1999 (7.5 linear feet).
Photographs have been transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (P0319).
Processed by Lisa Townsend and Karen Carver in 1998 and 1999.
This folder includes curriculum vitae, lists of art exhibits, news clippings, and other documents.
This folder also includes compensation status information and correspondence regarding Gittins' sabatical leave.
Included are agreements, contracts, correspondence, statements, and notes.
Statements, information booklets, invoices, bills, and correspondence are included.
Included are statements and bills for fire, health, auto, and teacher's insurance.
Correspondence, depositions, summons, and notices are included in this folder.
The certificates concern Gittins' marriage to his second wife, Gayle Hamilton.
Included are certificates and commencement programs for Queen Elizabeth School (England) and Brigham Young University.
Booklet prepared upon Gittins' death.
This folder includes lists of Gittins' paintings that were sold and their prices. Also included is an acknowledgment of rights concerning a drawing of Brigham Young for Zions National Bank.
This folder contains biographical information collected by Gittins about various individuals.
These folders also include correspondence.
These folders include documents concerning admission and retention practices in the Ballet Department. Ballet Department histories are also included.
Included are correspondence and undergraduate and graduate reports.
Reports, correspondence, and reviews of the Music Department are included.
Included are agenda, correspondence, and parental release forms.
Agenda, correspondence, parental release forms, notes, receipts, and expense information are included.
Brochures, background information, and notes are included.
Included are television, audio-visual, print, book, and slide reference lists.
Cultural Activities Committee meeting minutes, news clippings, and a report are included.
Budget information, meeting minutes, and statistics are included.
Included are meeting minutes, a roster, and a Ballet West information booklet.
Included are notes, meeting minutes, correspondence, invitations, and rosters concerning Gittins' involvement in Democratic affairs.
Most depict well-known architectural structures and paintings in Europe.
Oil on canvas; 30" X 25". This item is held in Reserve. Please contact the Manuscripts curator for access.