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Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink

2017 - ongoing

 

I first really learned about Charlotte Partridge (1882-1975) and Miriam Frink (1892-1978) in 2017 while doing peripheral research for a reginal exhibition I was assisting with. I was intrigued by their combined roles as founders and co-directors of the Layton School of Art, involvment with the Wisconsin WPA, numerous community groups, and their domestic relationship of over 50-years. Their history is a mostly untold story with Wisconsin milestones and many contradictions. 

In order to further establish their undervalued roles, I spent time with their papers housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries’ Archives Department and created timeline of their combined lives to better understand the impact they had on the Milwaukee landscape. Using that information, I began updating Partridge’s existing Wikipedia page to encompass a wider scope of her work in order to make it more visible and will be establishing a page for Miriam next. 

 

In 2022, I revisited the archive and spent a week specifically focusing on personal photographs and correspondence between Miriam to Charlotte. The resulting material will be published by OK Stamp Press in 2024 with a related exhibition at Layton Sculpture Garden in 2025. 

Charlotte and Miriam, circa 1930's

Charlotte and Miriam, circa 1930's

Courtesy of the Charlotte Russell Partridge and Miriam Frink Papers, 1862-1980. Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries’ Archives Department

I am yours humble Miriam, letter to Charlotte sign off, date unknown

I am yours humble Miriam, letter to Charlotte sign off, date unknown

Courtesy of the Charlotte Russell Partridge and Miriam Frink Papers, 1862-1980. Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries’ Archives Department

Charlotte and Miriam at the Layton School of Art, 1954

Charlotte and Miriam at the Layton School of Art, 1954

Courtesy of the Charlotte Russell Partridge and Miriam Frink Papers, 1862-1980. Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries’ Archives Department

Miriam with Charlotte (seated), 1965

Miriam with Charlotte (seated), 1965

Courtesy of the Charlotte Russell Partridge and Miriam Frink Papers, 1862-1980. Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries’ Archives Department

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