Painted Portrait of Richard Tilman Vann
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Memorial Artwork
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Visual Work of Art
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Painted Portrait of Richard Tilman Vann
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Richard Tilman Vann (1851-1941) served as the second president of Meredith college from 1900-1915. During his tenure he successfully reduced Meredith’s debt and wrote the college’s “Alma Mater.” Vann’s mother died early in his life and both arms were amputated in a mill accident. Despite these significant early struggles, Vann’s family encouraged him to pursue education resulting in him obtaining degrees from Wake Forest College, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Divinity from Furman University. He was ordained and worked as an educator at multiple women’s institutions before becoming president at Meredith College.
Vann was close to and supportive of multiple powerful North Carolina white supremacists. Vann offered prayer at Charles Aycock’s memorial. He considered Claude Kitchen a close friend and eulogized him at his funeral. He was particularly close with the Dixon family – favorably reviewing one of Thomas Dixon’s books and may have presided at Dr. Delia Dixon-Carroll’s Wedding.
The painting, by local artist Jacques Busbee, was the gift of the class of 1909. The portrait was accepted on behalf of the school by board of trustees member W.N. Jones, who spoke about the change Vann made at Meredith The portrait of Vann is currently stored in the Meredith College Remote Stacks, and there is not a clear record of when it was moved to the Remote Stacks.
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Oil on canvas of Richard Tilman Vann from the thigh up. He wears a black suit with a white shirt. Vann stands in front of green drapes next to a door. The portrait measures 36 inches wide by 49.5 inches long.
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Richard Tilman Vann
President. 1900 - 1915
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Busbee, Jacques
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May 24, 1909
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The Class of 1909
Position: 946 (79 views)