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Letters and Ephemera: Anne MacDonald, Sam Wagstaff, Robert Mapplethorpe

The connection between Anne MacDonald (1942 – 2018) and Sam Wagstaff (1921 – 1987) dates back to the early 1970s when she was on the Board of Trustees at the Detroit Institute of Art where he was a curator. Despite her title, MacDonald was still in her 20s and…

Sam Wagstaff, handwritten letter to Anne MacDonald, with references to Robert Mapplethorpe’s success, January 6, 1982.

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Handwritten double-sided letter

Size: 8.5 x 11 inches

“Now that he’s hit the big time and has a real business going, he’s finding that one is just poorer at a richer level, with a staff (already yet) working for him 5 days a week. Time to be an artist rather than a factory manager is hard to find. Success might ruin Robert financially but it sure will never spoil him.”

“Photos still continue to take up too much time and money. I think I’ll do one more show and book (but rotten CRAZY , shake them with laughter & rage & embarrassment)…”