Guide to the James H. Chillman, Jr. papers, 1891-1972

Biographical Sketch

James H. Chillman was the first director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and one of the first faculty members of the Rice Institute, now known as Rice University. In the 1950's Chillman aired a very popular radio show called "Art is Fun" which discussed art relating to Houston, popular currents, and new art, all aimed at getting the Houston community interested in art. He was the first director of the Museum of Fine Arts until the early ’50s, and he also was Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Fine Arts (part of the Department of Architecture) at Rice from the formative years into the early ’70s. He worked half time as the director and half time on the faculty at Rice. He died in 1972 after 55 years of service to the Rice community.

Scope and Contents

Correspondence, typescripts, printed material, news clippings, photographs, books, memorabilia, dating 1891 to 1972 and covering family and professional life of James Chillman, a faculty member at the Rice Institute and the first director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Many of the transcripts of his radio show "Art is Fun" are in the collection along with a thorough photographic history of his family and career. A large number of news articles are featured concerning his life and career as leading member of Houston's burgeoning academic and art communities.

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

This material is open for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from the Chillman Papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

James H. Chillman, Jr. papers, 1891-1972, MS 482, Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University

Acquisition Information

The collection was a gift of Helen Chillman, 1973.

Detailed Description of the Collection