Farewell to the Corcoran

September 13, 2014 – Farewell to the Corcoran

In a city full of museums, the Corcoran Gallery of Art has held a special place in Washington’s cultural landscape since its founding more than a century ago.  Established in 1874 by the entrepreneur, philanthropist and collector William Corcoran, it was the first art museum in the nation’s capital.  To put that into historical perspective, the National Gallery wasn’t established until 1937.  From its inception, the Corcoran Gallery of Art has concentrated on American art.  In this sense, William Corcoran was a pioneer among U.S. collectors, most of whom purchased only European art. 

In recent decades, the Corcoran has struggled to cover its operating expenses.  As a private admission-charging museum, it hasn’t been able to compete with the newer (and free) government-supported institutions, such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art.  Furthermore, its location at 17^th Street and New York Avenue works to its disadvantage, as many tourists don’t venture beyond the National Mall and the monuments. 

Revenue provided by the Corcoran School of Art helped sustain the gallery.  But within the past year, the museum’s financial crisis became so severe that it accepted an offer from the National Gallery of Art to acquire its collection.  At the same time, George Washington University agreed to absorb the Corcoran’s well-regarded art school.  With this change in ownership, the future of the Corcoran’s landmark Beaux-Art edifice remains uncertain.   

The collection currently includes over 16,000 individual works of art.  Although its main focus is American art (from the 19^th century through contemporary art), the collection also includes 19^th and 20^th century European art, decorative arts, photography and media works.  Among its most famous paintings is Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington.  Another familiar work is Rembrandt Peale’s large-scale painting of General Washington astride his horse on the eve of the battle of Yorktown. 

At the present time, the rotunda features a site-specific multimedia (light and sound) installation entitled Loop.  This work by Jennifer Steinkamp and Jimmy Johnson was originally created for the Corcoran’s 2000 Biennial Exhibition.   

Most of the space on the museum’s second floor is devoted to a special exhibition of metal sculpture by Albert Paley.  From whimsical animal pieces to candlesticks, and from gates to free-standing sculptural pieces, Paley’s work is complex and highly original.  Soft and flowing are not characteristics generally associated with steel.  As the photos below demonstrate, Paley defies the inherent limitations of his chosen medium.

The Corcoran played an important role in the life of Elliott Thompson.  It was at the Corcoran School of Art that Elliott launched his career as an artist.  Back in 1967, right after he retired from the federal government and relocated from France to Washington, DC, Elliott enrolled in a painting class taught by visiting professor Roy Slade.  After a few months, Elliott found himself substitute-teaching the class when the professor was called out of town.  The following year, Elliott began teaching in the Corcoran’s Saturday program.  Soon he was a full-time faculty member, teaching drawing and painting.  He helped develop the foundations curriculum and directed the school’s summer program in Maine in 1979. 

Not long after he started painting seriously, Elliott began to exhibit his work.  His work was included in several group shows across the country.  In 1974, the Corcoran gave him a retrospective show featuring 48 of his works.  The last time we visited the Corcoran together, Elliott pointed out where the paintings had hung.  The Corcoran purchased some of his work although I’m not sure which pieces.   

When I met Elliott, he had already retired from the Corcoran after 13 years as a faculty member.  However, over the years, we’ve maintained friendships with several of his former Corcoran colleagues, and have closely followed the story of the Corcoran’s demise. 

At the end of the month, this venerable Washington DC cultural institution will cease to exist.  Once the Corcoran closes its doors, the National Gallery will determine which works to keep, which to exhibit, and which to sell.  Therefore, you don’t have much time to see the collection in its current setting.  By the way, one bonus of the new arrangement with the National Gallery – admission to the Corcoran is now free.