Frank Trapp Papers
Scope and Contents
A series of watercolor sketches, together with a small number of photographs, made by Trapp while serving with the U.S. Army during World War II, primarily in New Guinea, 1944-1946. The artworks are accompanied by a brief typescript memoir of his war experiences written by Trapp in 1985 (revised in 2003). The papers also include Professor Trapp's research material on Peter Blume for his book on the artist which was published in 1987.
Dates
- 1944-2003
- Majority of material found within 1944-1987
Creator
- Trapp, Frank (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
There is no restriction on access to the collection for research use. Particularly fragile items may be restricted for preservation purposes.
Conditions Governing Use
Requests for permission to publish material from the collection should be directed to the Archives and Special Collections. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Biographical / Historical
Frank Anderson Trapp was professor of Fine Arts at Amherst College from 1956 to 1992. He also served as director of the Mead Art Museum, circa 1969-1989. Trapp received a B.A. from Carnegie Institute of Technology and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University. Before coming to Amherst he taught for five years at Williams College. Professor Trapp was a respected scholar who produced a number of books, including Peter Blume (1987), The Grand Tradition: British Art from Amherst College (1988), and The Attainment of Delacroix (1971). Trapp was also an accomplished sculptor and painter. He died on March 17, 2005 at the age of 82.
Extent
2.25 Linear feet (2 archives boxes, 1 half archives box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Professor of Fine Arts at Amherst College, 1956-1992. Collection includes his watercolor sketches and photographs made while serving with the U.S. Army during World War II, primarily in New Guinea, 1944-1946. Also, a brief typescript memoir of his war experiences written in 1985 (revised 2003), and research material on the artist Peter Blume for his 1987 book on him.
Arrangement
This collection is organized into two series:
- Series 1: World War II Drawings and Photographs, 1944-1946
- Series 2: Research Material on the Artist Peter Blume, 1982-1987
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Frank Anderson Trapp, 2003.
Processing Information
Processed 2006 July
- Amherst College -- Faculty Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Blume, Peter, 1906-1992
- Watercolors Subject Source: Library Of Congress Genre/Form Terms
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- New Guinea Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, American Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Peter A. Nelson
- Date
- 2012
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Amherst College Archives and Special Collections Repository
Amherst College Archives & Special Collections
Robert Frost Library
61 Quadrangle Drive
Amherst MA 01002-5000
(413) 542-2299
archives@amherst.edu