Wheeler, Monroe, 1899-

Monroe Wheeler was born on February 13, 1899 in Evanston, Illinois. Following his primary education, he pursued a number of careers, but his avocation of choice was as a printer. Upon receiving a small printing press as a gift from his father, Wheeler began producing chap books of poetry under the imprint, Manikin Press. One of his first works was The Bitterns, a collection of poems by Glenway Wescott, whom he had met in Chicago in 1920 and who would become Wheeler's long-time companion. (See the biographical sketch in the Glenway Wescott Papers, YCAL MSS 134, for more information.)

In 1921, Wheeler traveled with Wescott to Germany, where he wrote a series of articles about the post-war economy for a Chicago trade journal, Central Manufacturing District Magazine . After his return to New York in 1923, he worked for the Coal and Iron National Bank as a copywriter. In 1925 Wheeler moved with Wescott to Villefranche, in the south of France, where they entered a vibrant literary and artistic circle populated by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Isadora Duncan.

In 1926, another important figure entered Wheeler's life when he was introduced to George Platt Lynes, an aspiring writer and publisher. Lynes fell in love with Wheeler, and eventually, he became a third partner in the existing relationship. In part through Wheeler's encouragement, Lynes eventually found his most rewarding metier, as a fashion and figural photographer. (Lynes died in New York City in December, 1955.)

In 1930, while still in France, Wheeler entered into a partnership with Barbara Harrison to establish the Harrison of Paris press, the goal of which was to publish fine editions of new and neglected classics. Over 5 years, they produced 13 titles, including works by Thomas Mann, Katherine Anne Porter, and Glenway Wescott's A Calendar of Saints for Unbelievers, with illustrations by Pavel Tchelitchew.

In 1935, following the marriage of Barbara Harrison to Glenway's younger brother, Lloyd, Wheeler and Wescott moved back to the United States. They soon set up households both on the farm in New Jersey bought by Barbara Harrison and Lloyd Wescott and in New York City, where they shared a series of apartments with George Platt Lynes.

It was at this time that Wheeler began an association with the Museum of Modern Art when, in 1935, he guest-curated an exhibit. His position at MOMA became permanent in 1938 when he was hired as Membership Director, then moved quickly into the position of Director of Exhibitions and Publications. Wheeler's innovations in publication and exhibit design soon became well-known. Among his most popular shows were "20th Century Portraits" [1942-43], "Chaim Soutine" [1950], "Georges Rouault Retrospective" [1953], a Pierre Bonnard memorial exhibit [1964], and "Turner, Imagination and Reality" [1966]. In 1951, in recognition of his work in bringing French artists to the attention of American viewers, he was made a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor by the government of France.

In 1967, in preparation for his retirement, Wheeler shifted his duties at the museum. Having long been a trustee of the museum, he was appointed counselor and joined the International Council in its biannual meetings. After his official retirement in 1967, he continued to advise the museum on exhibitions and serve with a number of civic and arts organizations, including the Grolier Club, the International Graphic Arts Association, and New York Genealogical and Biographical Society. In 1969, Wheeler traveled as a cultural advisor with Nelson Rockefeller on a presidential mission to Latin America. In the 1970s, Wheeler traveled extensively and worked on projects documenting the history of MOMA and the collections of the Rockefeller family. Monroe Wheeler died in Manhattan on August 14, 1988 at the age of 89, 18 months after the death of Glenway Wescott.

From the guide to the Monroe Wheeler papers, 1890-1995, (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)