HISTORY: Ohio native Bertha Hewit Woolrych (1868-1937) became a well-known illustrator and painter in the St. Louis area. After studying at Washington University, she continued her training at various Paris academies with Aimé Morot (1850–1913), Louis Collin (1850 – 1916), and Gustave Courtois (1852 – 1923). Woolrych was an active member of the St. Louis Artist’s Guild and her work won medals at the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland in 1906 and at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts. Her husband, Francis Humphry Woolrych, was also a well-known artist.
SCOPE: Drawings and sketches from a handmade sketchbook depicting portraits and anatomical studies, and landscapes dated between June 1883 and 1903.
HOLDINGS: Forty-two drawings and sketches, one oil painting on un-stretched canvas, a Certificate of Scholarship for Edmund Woolrych (the artist’s son), a campaign poster for J.L. “Tuck” Milligan folded and used as a portfolio.
ACCESS: This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the material in Special Collection M-446 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building.
In observance of security procedures, certain services may not be available shortly before the daily closing time.
