The Weir Family Papers and Weir Family Photographs document the lives of various members of the Weir family, including Robert Walter Weir (1803–1889), John Ferguson Weir (1841–1926) and Julian Alden Weir (1852–1919). The collection contains correspondence, diaries, scrapbooks, manuscripts, speeches, artwork, clippings and published material relating to the family, dating from between 1765 to 1929. The bulk of the collection relates to Julian Alden Weir.

One of Julian Alden Weir’s daughters, Dorothy Weir (1890–1947), married Mahonri Young (1877–1957), grandson of Brigham Young, in 1931. Upon Dorothy’s death, Mahonri Young inherited family papers and artwork from the Weir family. The Weir Family Papers and Photographs featured in this digital collection, along with paintings, drawings and prints, came to Brigham Young University following the death of Mahonri Young in 1957.

The Weir Family Papers (MSS 511) were originally filed together with the Dorothy Weir Young Papers (MSS 1291) and the Mahonri M. Young papers (MSS 4) as the Weir-Young Collection until 1977, when three separate collections were created. Photographs in the collection were transferred to the photoarchives to create the Weir Family Photographs (MSS P 78).

Complete descriptions (finding aids) of BYU’s collections of the Weir Family Papers and Weir Family Photographs are available online.

The Weir Family, 1820–1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art

BYU Museum of Art Exhibition

The Weir Family, 1820–1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art, organized by the Brigham Young University Museum of Art, is the first major exhibition to collectively examine paintings by Robert Walter Weir (1803–1889), John Ferguson Weir (1841–1926), and Julian Alden Weir (1851–1919). It showcases important pieces from museum and private collections across the country, many of which have never been seen together. The exhibition explores how the transatlantic encounters of the Weir family of artists helped to shape American art for nearly a century.

Dates:
November 18, 2011 – May 19, 2012

Gallery:
Conway A. Ashton & Carl E. Jackman Gallery (lower level), BYU Museum of Art
Cost:
Free

Additional Resources