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1272 Amsterdam Avenue
New York 27, New York
June 13, 1951

Dear Mr. Seligmann:

You're no doubt familiar with the many attempts of Graduate students in the field of fine arts to engage in work which is happily coincidental with their studies. I feel that I was really fortunate due to your kindness some months ago to have an opportunity to do some work for you and as a result of this I have discussed the problem with some of my fellow students and we think we may have an interesting idea to contribute.

This is the idea: It seems apparent that the research needs of the New York dealer are spasmodic yet over a period of time consistent as a result of this the gallery does not need a full time researcher but might more profitably subscribe to a service which would put at his disposal a competent staff of art researchers. This staff would be composed of graduate students working in their particular fields of concentration who have a scholarly knowledge of source material and research procedure and would be ideally suited to supply such a service. The attractions of such are service are many. This service would provide all galleries with a quality and volume of work which no one gallery could afford. In addition, the dealer is not limited to the capabilities of a single employee.

I also feel that the small out-of-town Museum would be interested in such a service and might eventually prove to be a larger market than the New York dealer. This of course is a rough sketch in an attempt to present the problem to you [[strikethrough]] teresely [[/strikethrough]].

Because of your kindness and interest in the past I felt that you might be willing to give me some advise and encouragement. I should like to present my plans to you more fully and would very much appreciate a chance to speak with you in the near future and hear your reaction to this idea.

With friendliest regards,

Virginia Marshall