Worth Ryder Papers, 1927-1954

Summary

Creators:

Ryder, Worth Allen, 1884-1960

Abstract:

Consists of lectures, exams, art project assignments and criticism written by Worth Ryder during his time at UC Berkeley as a Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor and Professor Emeritus.

Extent:

1 carton 1.2 linear feet

Language:

Collection materials are in English , German

Background

Scope and content:

Consists of lectures, exams, art project assignments and criticism written by Worth Ryder during his time at U.C. Berkeley as a Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor and Professor Emeritus.

The lectures and notes date from roughly 1928-1954, and primarily relate to work from the courses Ryder taught. There are also some sketches drawn by Ryder, possibly relating to coursework. The collection arrived both loose and in binders, sometimes organized according to subject, which has been maintained at folder level. There are also project assignments for the art composition classes Ryder taught as well as speeches and lectures from forums and non U.C. Berkeley-related events.

Biographical / historical:

Papers of Worth Allen Ryder. University of California, Berkeley dept. of Art, Professor Emeritus. B.F.A. Art Students League, N.Y., 1908; appointed Lecturer in Art at U.C. Berkeley in 1927; Associate Professor at U.C. Berkeley 1928-1939; appointed Professorship at U.C. Berkeley in 1939; Professor Emeritus 1952.

Worth Allen Ryder was born in Kirkwood, Illinois on Nov. 10, 1884, and his family relocated to California soon after. His childhood was spent in Berkeley, though he spent much of his youth in the wilderness, especially the high Sierra mountains. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 1903 and entered UC Berkeley, where he studied for three years before turning to art at the Art Students League in New York. While there, he worked as an usher at the Metropolitan Opera House, where he saw performances by such celebrated figures as Enrico Caruso and Feodor Chaliapin and, by his own telling, enjoyed conversing with Mark Twain about California and the West.

Ryder was remembered by his colleagues for his integrity and contributions in shaping the Art History department at UC Berkeley. He died on February 17, 1960.

Acquisition information:

The Worth Ryder papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Virginia McCray (widow of James McCray, Prof. Emeritus of Art at UCB) on December 6, 1993.

Physical location:

Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.

Rules or conventions:

Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

Website