William Ward records

Collection

Identifier: 1111.097

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

The William Ward collection contains records of his work as museum designer and in the museum education department including correspondence, design project files, subject files, and records of the construction of the Breuer wing. The collection dates from 1946 through 1989.

Dates

1946-1989

Creator

Ward, William E. (1922-2004) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access note

Open to the public. For more information or to access this collection contact archives staff at archives2@clevelandart.org.

William Ward

William E. Ward (1922-2004) was chief designer at the Cleveland Museum of Art from 1957-1993. Born in Cleveland to Lura D. and Edward Ward he was educated at Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and Columbia University. During World War II he served in the U.S. army terrain intelligence unit in India and Ceylon, where he developed a life long interest in southeast asian art. After his military service Mr. Ward worked in the education and oriental art departments of the museum prior to being named head designer. He also was a professor of caligraphy and watercolor at the Cleveland Institute of Art. As a practicing artist he exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions throughout Ohio and other states. Ward was married to internationally renowned fiber artist Evely Svec. Their private art collection was featured in a number of exhibitions at CIA and CMA.