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Abraham Bornstein Papers

 Collection
Identifier: P-937

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains materials from the Boston Book and Art Shop (1962-1974), including financial records and an inventory, an inventory and sample of collection donated to YIVO, an inventory and sample of collection donated to the Jewish National and Hebrew University, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and the work of Chaim Grade, גראדע חיים. Also included in this collection are original photographs and certificates, among them original elementary and high school graduation certificates, and a confirmation certificate of Rachel Rosenstein Bornstein. Some of these are restricted because they are rolled and fragile.

Dates

  • undated, 1914-1992

Creator

Language of Materials

The collection is in English and Yiddish.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Historical Note

Abraham Bornstein was born in Russia, and immigrated to the United States as a child. He was a well known publisher and collector of art and art books.

In 1923, Bornstein founded the Boston Book and Art Shop, formerly located on Boylston Street between Dartmouth and Exeter Streets, which distributed art books from leading publishers of Europe, as well as published books, portfolios and monographs. Abraham and his wife, Rachel, used their publishing house to help encourage and promote many Jewish artists and writers in the United States, among them, Chaim Grade, a Yiddish poet.

The Bornsteins donated their collection to many well known institutions, including the Bezalel Library, the Israel Museum, the Jewish National and University Library and YIVO. According to the inventory of the collection donated to the Jewish National and University Library and YIVO, in addition to books on art, Bornstein also donated his personal collection of Japanese prints and ikons, and rare prints of Jewish books of the 16th-18th centuries.

References

  1. Materials in collection.

Extent

3 linear feet (1 document box and 1 OS box)

Abstract

Abraham Bornstein was a well-known publisher and collector of art and art books. In 1923, Bornstein founded the Boston Book and Art Shop, which distributed art books from leading publishers of Europe, as well as published books, portfolios and monographs. Abraham and his wife, Rachel, used their publishing house to help encourage and promote many Jewish artists and writers in the United States, among them, Chaim Grade, a Yiddish poet. This collection contains materials from the Boston Book and Art Shop, including financial records and inventory, inventory and sample of collection donated to YIVO, inventory and sample of collection donated to the Jewish National and Hebrew University, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and work of Chaim Grade, גראדע חיים. Also included in this collection are original photographs and certificates.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Abraham Bornstein, per Sara Schlater, 1994.

Processing Information

Processed by Mary Chen, 2012

Title
Guide to Abraham Bornstein Papers, P-937
Author
Processed by Mary Chen
Date
2012
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository

Contact:
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116 United States
617-226-1245