Creator Record
Metadata
Name |
Edmondson, William |
Other names |
William J. Edmondson |
Life Dates |
1874-1951 Born: Davidson County, Tennessee Died: Nashville, Tennessee |
Nationality |
American |
Occupation |
sculptor stonemason folk artist |
Notes |
African American artist William Edmondson was one of the most important self taught sculptors of the 20th century. Edmondson was a son of former slaves who developed his skills as a sculptor in the 1930s by carving tombstones, then later free-standing figurative sculptures with both religious and secular subjects. In 1937, he became the first African-American to have a solo exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Edmondson's work was also supported by the Works Progress Administration in 1939 and in 1941. Edmondson, William (1874-1951): In 1941, the Orange and White reported that two sculptures by William Edmondson of Nashville had been acquired from the WPA by the Related Art Department of the College of Home Economics. Edmondson, of Nashville, is one of the most important self taught sculptors of the 20th century. In 1937, he became the first African-American to have a solo exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. He carved Tennessee limestone into figures used in cemeteries and figures and shapes that now grace museums and are featured in private collections. The WPA hired Edmondson for two projects in 1939-1941. |
Role |
Artist |
Related Records
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1993.9.1 - Sculpture
Gray limestone sculpture, "Preacher" by William Edmondson. It features a preacher standing, holding a Bible aloft. Born to freed slaves on a plantation near Nashville, William Edmondson went on to become an acclaimed folk artist. While working as a stonemason’s assistant, Edmondson discovered his talent for carving limestone. Deeply religious, William Edmondson believed his sculpture was ordained by God. In addition to memorial gravestones,...
Record Type: Object
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1993.9.2 - Sculpture
Gray limestone sculpture, "Bride" by William Edmondson. It features a standing bride holding a flower arrangement with a veil falling down her back. Born to freed slaves on a plantation near Nashville, William Edmondson went on to become an acclaimed folk artist. While working as a stonemason’s assistant, Edmondson discovered his talent for carving limestone. Deeply religious, William Edmondson believed his sculpture was ordained by God. I...
Record Type: Object
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1993.9.3 - Sculpture
Gray limestone sculpture, "Three Doves" by William Edmondson. Three doves are perched in a row, each bird carved in the same style with stiff postures. The two outside doves have broken beaks; the middle has broken feet. Born to freed slaves on a plantation near Nashville, William Edmondson went on to become an acclaimed folk artist. While working as a stonemason’s assistant, Edmondson discovered his talent for carving limestone. Deeply rel...
Record Type: Object
