Scope and Content Note
The papers of John Werner Kluge (1914-2010) span the years 1793-2002, with the bulk of the material dating from 1956 to 2002. The collection documents Kluge's career in the television industry, particularly as chairman of Metromedia, Inc., his extensive art collection, real estate properties, philanthropic endeavors, and social activities. The papers are organized into the following five series: Art and Properties, Business Records, Correspondence and Clippings, Events and Philanthropy, and Oversize.
The bulk of the collection consists of material related to Kluge's extensive art collection and real estate properties, particularly Albemarle House in Charlottesville, Va., and Morven Estate, Albemarle County, Va., and his collections of ancient bronze sculptures and antique carriages. The collection also documents Kluge's career in television and other industries, particularly his role as founder and chairman of Metromedia, Inc., and in the broader Metromedia empire. The majority of personal correspondence in the collection was received as chronologically compiled scrapbooks, dating from 1976 to 2001. The scrapbooks are comprised of equal parts correspondence and clippings. Correspondence is primarily social, and includes greeting cards and invitations. There is very little family correspondence. There is also material related to Kluge's various philanthropic efforts and contributions, particularly his work on behalf of the Library of Congress and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Centennial Commission, as well as his friendship with Armand Hammer.
The Art and Properties series constitutes approximately half the collection and contains material related to Kluge's art collecting pursuits and extensive real estate holdings.
The Business Records series contains material documenting Kluge's role in a variety of industries, particularly as founder and chairman of Metromedia, Inc.
The Correspondence and Clippings series contains Kluge's correspondence with friends and acquaintances.
The Events and Philanthropy series documents Kluge's various philanthropic contributions.
The remaining series contains Oversize material.