Avard T. Fairbanks Papers

Collection

Identifier: WCMss-133

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Avard T. Fairbanks consists of information about the life and career of Dr. Fairbanks as well as information about the development, installation, and dedication of the Marcus Whitman Statue in Washington, D.C. and later, a duplicate statue in Walla Walla, Washington. These records, which date from 1929 through 1992, also contain a portfolio of work and a proposal from Dr. Fairbanks, letters of correspondence and fundraising, photographs and negatives, and brochures and invitations.

Dates

Creation: 1929-1992

Creator

Fairbanks, Avard T. (Avard Tennyson) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Avard Tennyson Fairbanks was born in Provo, Utah on March 2, 1897. He was the tenth of eleven children of John and Lilly Fairbanks. He learned sculpture from his father in New York, and was awarded a scholarship at the Art Students League in New York. In 1913 Avard went to Paris to study sculpture at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Artes. He then worked in San Francisco, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, Michigan, and finally Washington. In 1947 he was commissioned to build a statue of Marcus Whitman in Washington D.C., identical to the Marcus Whitman Statue on Whitman College’s campus. Avard died on January 2, 1987 in Pacific, Washington.

Extent

0.6 Linear Feet (2 manuscript boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Avard T. Fairbanks Papers which contains ephemera related to sculptor Dr. Avard T. Fairbanks and his creation of a bronze statue of Dr. Marcus Whitman for unveiling in the Rotunda and installation in Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. These papers, which date from 1929 through 1992, contains information about the development, installation, and dedication of the Marcus Whitman Statue. There also contains a portfolio, letters of correspondence, fundraising, and brochures and invitations.