Rakow, Leonard S., 1909-1987
Dates
- Existence: 1909 (date of birth) - 1987 (date of death) - 1987
Biography
Leonard S. Rakow was born in Nebraska in 1909. Rakow studied medicine at New York University, graduating in 1933. He married Juliette Kamholtz in 1936 in New York City, and the couple settled in Riverdale. A successful surgeon, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1944 to 1946.
The Rakows developed an interest in glass upon receiving a pair of Wedgewood candlesticks as a wedding gift. Over time, they developed not only an unparalleled collection of English cameo glass, but also a deep knowledge of glass and a passion for glass research. As benefactors of The Corning Museum of Glass, they supported the library, now named for them, and endowed both the Rakow Grant for Glass Research and the Rakow Commission. As Founding Fellows of the Museum, they also lectured frequently and earned a reputation for sharing their knowledge generously.
Leonard S. Rakow died in 1987.
Lanmon, Dwight P. “Dr. Leonard S. Rakow (1909–1987).” Journal of Glass Studies 30 (1988): 126–27. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24190816.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Leonard S. and Juliette K. Rakow Correspondence
This small set of letters documents the Rakows' friendship with Sylvia and Herbert Jacobs, collectors of historic English ceramics. The letters, mostly written by the Rakows, describe trips abroad, impressions of glass and ceramic exhibitions and auctions, and mutual research interests. They also contain family news and expressions of gratitude for gifts and time spent together.
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