Thomas S. Buechner
Thomas Scharman Buechner (pronounced BEAK-ner; September 25, 1926 – June 13, 2010) was an artist who turned to working at museums. After working for New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, he became the founding director of the Corning Museum of Glass, and later director of the Brooklyn Museum, where he oversaw a major transformation in its operation and displays, before returning to Corning.
Early life and education
Buechner was born in Manhattan on September 25, 1926. He was raised in Bronxville, New York and attended the Lawrenceville School in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. After completing high school, he was assigned to attend a training program at Princeton University as part of his service in the United States Navy. After completing his military service he spent a year working for the Puerto Rico tourism board so that he could learn the Spanish language. He came back to New York City, working as a night elevator operator at the Plaza Hotel while he studied at the Art Students League of New York.[1] He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and under M.M. van Dantzig in Amsterdam.[2]
Professional career
After studying painting in Europe, Buechner returned to the United States and took a position as an assistant manager at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a way to have a career in art without being an artist.[1]
In 1951, aged 25, he was named as the founding director of the
He was named as director of the
He was hired by
Later life and legacy
He retired from Corning in 1987 and devoted his time to painting, including a portrait of
Buechner died of lymphoma at age 83 on June 13, 2010, in his home in Corning, New York. He was survived by his wife, the former Mary Hawkins, as well as by a daughter, two sons and seven grandchildren.[1]
Buechner was second cousin of the writer William Zinsser.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Grimes, William. "Thomas S. Buechner, Former Director of Brooklyn Museum, Dies at 83", The New York Times, June 17, 2010. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Thomas S. Buechner profile, personal website. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Journal of Glass Studies, Corning Museum of Glass. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ New Glass Review, Corning Museum of Glass. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Staff. "New Director Is Named By Brooklyn Museum", The New York Times, April 29, 1960. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Buechner, Thomas S. "Successful Relocation of Important Sculpture" Archived 2011-09-26 at the Wayback Machine, Sculpture Review, Summer 1964. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Staff. "MUSEUM MAKES BID FOR ART AT BRIDGE", The New York Times, June 2, 1961. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Kozinn, Allan. "Alice Tully Is Dead at 91; Lifelong Patron of the Arts", The New York Times, December 11, 1993. Accessed June 19, 2010.
- ^ Zinsser, William. "Two Men and a Portrait". Smithsonian Magazine.