Awards

Honorary Degree - 1978

D.F.A.

Doctor of Fine Arts

Commencement

Bloomington, Indiana

Presenter: John William Ryan

About Henry Radford Hope

One of Indiana University's many sources of pride is its Department of Fine Arts, which includes the University Art Museum. Today both flourish in no small part because of the dedication and energy of Henry Radford Hope. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and educated at Columbia University, Harvard University, and the Sorbonne, Professor Hope was appointed Chairman of the Department of Fine Arts at Indiana University in 1941. When he took up the appointment, the department had only two faculty members. From that time and until his early retirement in 1967, Professor Hope guided the growth and development of the department with enthusiasm, enormous energy, and outstanding success. In 1961 the new Fine Arts Building was opened, together with the newly-created Indiana University Art Museum. Professor Hope, who served as full-time Director of the Museum from its opening until his retirement, thus enriched not only the Fine Arts Department, but the cultural life on the entire University community.

The Indiana University Art Museum contains among other important collections a distinguished collection of modern art. This area of interest is represented in Professor Hope's own writings by two early and important catalogues of the work of Georges Braque and the sculpture of Jacques Lipchitz. Professor Hope's national contribution to the world of art extends well beyond that of educator and author. He has been editor of the College Art Journal and the Art Journal, and has also served as Chairman of the Editorial Board of Magazine Art. He was appointed to the United States National Committee for UNESCO, and has served as Trustee of the American Federation of Art, the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, and the College Art Association, of which he is also a former President. His election to the Royal Society of Art marked the international respect he has earned as educator, author, and editor in the world of fine arts.

Since his retirement Professor Hope and his wife, Sarahanne (Sally), have made their home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They have six children.