The Jess Papers, 1941-2004 (bulk 1962-1997) document his life as an American assemblage artist and painter. The papers are divided into four series: Correspondence, Writings, General Files, and George Herms Papers and consist of correspondence, manuscripts, flyers, announcements, clippings, writings, artwork, and miscellaneous materials.

Jess, American visual artist, was born Burgess Collins on August 6, 1923 in Long Beach, California. Jess was educated as a chemist at the California Institute of Technology. Disillusioned with his scientific career, in 1949 he enrolled in the California School of the Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute) and began referring to himself as "Jess". He met Robert Duncan in 1951 and maintained a relationship with the poet that lasted until Duncan's death in 1988.

Number of containers: 23 boxes, 2 cartons, 3 oversize boxes, 4 volumes Linear feet: 14 linear ft.

Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Collection is open for research.