Barnes Introduction
- 1. The Barnes Foundation An Introduction artzineonline.com
- 2. Dr. Albert C. Barnes Born 1872 in Philadelphia Studied medicine, chemistry, and pharmacology Created Argyrol in 1902, bought out company in 1908 Started collecting art in 1910 new-york-art.com
- 3. Indenture of Trust First established in 1922 Edited several times before Barnes’ sudden death in 1951 This charitable trust was to be maintained in perpetuity after Barnes’ death
- 4. Early Litigation & The Barnes In 1960, a judge ruled that the Barnes Foundation could be open to the public: 200 hundred visitors per day for two days per week Revocation of tax status threatened Through 1960s and 1970s, the Foundation was run mostly according to the slightly amended Indenture of Trust
- 5. “ Current” Controversy Early 1990s - worldwide exhibition of paintings Early 2000s - Foundation has used up the $6 million operating fund and exhibit funds 2004 - Montgomery County Orphans’ Court rules that the Barnes move to the Parkway 2009 - Architectural plan published, construction started on new building
Editor's Notes
- #4: The Indenture of Trust established the Barnes Foundation (includes the bylaws for the operation of the Foundation and the membership of its Board of Directors). Edits were made in 1926, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1946, 1947, 1950. Would Barnes have continued to edit his document? Changes to the visitation policy were being made all the time, and his death was very sudden. The Indenture of Trust is NOT Barnes’ will. Barnes’ will has not been broken. The will stated that his property be left to his wife, etc. The Indenture of Trust controls the actions only of the Barnes Foundation.
- #5: This suit was brought by the Attorney General of PA, and was about the question of the Barnes as a public gallery or its true purpose as a “school”. The decision was a compromise between the Commonwealth and the Foundation.