Radeke, Eliza G., 1854-1931

Born on December 11, 1854 in Augusta, GA, Eliza G. Radeke graduated from Vassar College in 1876. That same year, she assisted her mother Helen Metcalf's work for the Rhode Island Women's Centennial Commission organized for the Philadelphia Exposition. Radeke married Dr. Gustav Radeke, an immigrant from Hamburg, Germany, in 1880. She and her husband took an active role in RISD soon after. Until his death in 1892, Gustav Radeke worked to organize an Industrial Museum. Elected to the Board of Directors in 1886, Eliza Radeke assisted her mother on the Committee of Management that year, and then permanently beginning in 1890. She served as Chair of the Committee, 1895-1931, and President, 1913-1931. In addition, she was a member of the Museum Committee, 1893-1931, and served as Acting Director, 1907-1908.

Eliza Radeke worked closely with artists, dealers, and Museum Directors, especially L. Earle Rowe, to develop the Museum of Art's extensive collection. She compiled the Museum's cast collection and funded the building of the Japanese Gallery, designed by Charles Platt. The strength of her collection lay in 19th century French paintings and drawings. Other interests included Japanese prints, Native American pottery, and the antiquities, particularly Greek and Roman works.

In 1900, in honor of their father, Radeke and her siblings created the Jesse Metcalf Memorial Fund for the purchase of works of art. Funded by her brothers Stephen and Jesse, the Eliza G. Radeke Museum of Art opened in 1926. The Radeke Memorial Garden within the Museum courtyard opened in 1934.

From the guide to the Eliza G. Radeke records, Radeke (Eliza G.) records, 1860-1930, bulk 1880-1924, (Rhode Island School of Design Archives)