Autographs, drawing, photos and ephemera from the estate of Kansas City writer and photographer Bob Barrett (1943- 2016) relating to his personal experience with Kansas City artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975). One of the more interesting pieces in this lot is a note written by Benton explaining to whomever it may concern why Bob Barrett is driving a car belonging to Benton's son across country. The wording of the letter suggests that the two, Barrett and Benton, were more acquaintances than they were close friends since Benton misspelled Bob's last name twice. But both had many friends and acquaintances so it's not surprising they crossed paths in Kansas City. And it's no surprise that Bob jumped at the chance for a cross-country adventure that included interaction with a famous artist that he admired.
The letter reads, "To whom it may concern, This car 171-52 K, MASS. belongs to my son Thomas P. Benton of Gayhead, Martha's Vinyard (sic) Mass. It is being driven to Gayhead, at my request, by Mr. Robert Bartlett [sic] of Kansas City, MO. Also my son's request." The letter is signed by Benton and he provides a place for "Bartlett" to sign as well. An 11 x 9 inch map to the Benton home at Gayhead was drawn in pencil and torn from a coil bound pad and provided by Benton as well. Neither the map nor the letter is dated.
This lot also includes a 1968 edition of "An Artist in America," 1968 third edition, signed by Benton and dedicated to Barrett in blue ballpoint on the half title (this time he gets the name right!). Green cloth, original dust jacket, 8vo; plus a funeral program for T.H. Benton's service in 1975, and a copy of the 'Eulogy to Tom Benton' by Lyman Field, also 1975.
There are a number of images from Benton's funeral, related negatives, many images of Benton late in life including a large color profile image, 20 x 13.5 inches on slightly larger cloth covered cardboard, similar smaller black and white images from the same photo session, several images of Benton at work, ten black and white images of Benton in a tuxedo, images from Benton's funeral and his surviving wife and son. There is also a mounted image by Kansas City Star photographer William Kirk of Benton's last work 'Origins of Country Music' in the artist's studio, an empty chair nearby. It's signed by Kirk and dedicated to Bob Barrett. Plus a 6.25 x 6.75 inch halftone plate image of Benton posing with one of his works, possibly shot for the Kansas City Star, and an embossed poster for the awarding of the Thomas H. Benton Award to John Gardner by the Board of Governors of the Kansas City Art Institute, 22 x 17 inches. Interested parties should attend the inspection/preview open house on Wednesday, February 1 from 12 noon to 5pm to view all of the elements of this lot in person. Alternate inspection times are available by appointment. Additional images can be provided on request.

Condition as noted in the description.