The Perfect Picture, 1930s-2014 and undated

Access Restrictions:

Original audiovisual media (CD-ROM of sermons) are closed to use; access to file copies may be requested in advance.

Please contact the Rubenstein Library before coming to use this collection.

Oversize prints in this series are closed to general use; duplicate handling prints are available.

:
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Extent:
5 Linear Feet (10.5 boxes; 1 oversize folder)
Scope and content:

This body of work by Kristin Bedford consists of 48 color inkjet photographic prints portraying male and female followers of Father and Mother Divine, founders of the multi-racial religious community called the International Peace Mission Movement. The images were taken at the community's estate, "Woodmont," in Gladwyn, a town near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during Bedford's five-week stay with the community in the summer of 2013, and depict the followers performing their many daily tasks and rituals, such as preparing meals, setting out the holy banquet table, gardening, and celebrating special holy days. Also featured in the photographs are interiors of rooms, objects such as reel-to-reel tapes of Father Divine's sermons, and the estate grounds.

There are 24 exhibit prints: 9 prints measuring 18 1/2 x 24 inches, and 15 prints measuring approximately 27 1/2 x 32 inches. There is also a set of 24 handling prints measuring 11 x 17 inches. An information folder is located in the box containing the smaller reference prints; it contains the photographer's statement from the Perfect Picture exhibition, and a printed list of thumbnail images, in color, with titles.

Accompanying Bedford's photographs are a variety of historical and contemporary items related to her project, including The New Day, the International Peace Mission Movement's serial publication; pamphlets and other print ephemera; historical photographs and correspondence (some photocopied); a CD of Father Divine's sermons; and memorabilia such as costume jewelry and a hat. Also included are two book-length works about Father and Mother Divine and the International Peace Mission Movement.

Physical facet:
Approximately 150 items

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Collection restrictions:

Access is partially restricted.

Original audiovisual materials are closed to use (CD-ROM in Perfect Picture series). Use of these materials may require production of listening or viewing copies.

Please contact the Rubenstein Library before coming to use these materials.

Access partially restricted. Oversize exhibit prints in Perfect Picture and Be Still series are closed to general use due to their size; duplicate handling prints are available in each series.

Use & permissions:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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