The Heinrich Hofmann Project: Writing a Biography and Catalogue Raisonne
Since 2001 Hans and Ruth Froelke, native German speakers and genealogists, have been gathering letters and primary research material on the artist Heinrich Hofmann. The original plan was to have the late Ben Bloxham, a Utah based genealogist, write a brief illustrated biography on this great artist with Dr. Vern Swanson (art historian) as a collaborator and consultant. Before commencing his writing, Mr. Bloxham suddenly passed away in 2005, leaving the project bereft of an author.
The following year, Angela Swanson Jones, an art history graduate with a broad knowledge of German art and language, was invited to fill the role of head writer. Since this time Angela, Vern, Hans and Ruth have had a stimulating research relationship/collaboration. They have travelled extensively in Germany researching Hofmann in museums, archives, art institutes and private collections. Furthermore, internet research has proved fruitful as well. Secondary literature has been purchased or has been borrowed from libraries around the world. Through their efforts they have collected an impressive amount of research. The Froelkes have spent countless hours transcribing and translating materials from old German to English. Angela has expanded the scope of the project to include a complete catalogue raisonné documenting the artist’s entire artistic output. At present over 800 works of art have been documented.
Through their combined efforts articles has been written, a major exhibition has been mounted, and the goal of writing an extensive biography and catalogue continues.
Since 2001 Hans and Ruth Froelke, native German speakers and genealogists, have been gathering letters and primary research material on the artist Heinrich Hofmann. The original plan was to have the late Ben Bloxham, a Utah based genealogist, write a brief illustrated biography on this great artist with Dr. Vern Swanson (art historian) as a collaborator and consultant. Before commencing his writing, Mr. Bloxham suddenly passed away in 2005, leaving the project bereft of an author.
The following year, Angela Swanson Jones, an art history graduate with a broad knowledge of German art and language, was invited to fill the role of head writer. Since this time Angela, Vern, Hans and Ruth have had a stimulating research relationship/collaboration. They have travelled extensively in Germany researching Hofmann in museums, archives, art institutes and private collections. Furthermore, internet research has proved fruitful as well. Secondary literature has been purchased or has been borrowed from libraries around the world. Through their efforts they have collected an impressive amount of research. The Froelkes have spent countless hours transcribing and translating materials from old German to English. Angela has expanded the scope of the project to include a complete catalogue raisonné documenting the artist’s entire artistic output. At present over 800 works of art have been documented.
Through their combined efforts articles has been written, a major exhibition has been mounted, and the goal of writing an extensive biography and catalogue continues.