About the Donors

This collection of African art is comprised of nearly 60 objects, many of which are on display in the Mortvedt Library, where a small exhibition space has been created in the stairwell leading to the third floor. Dr. J. Hans and Thelma Lehmann, beginning in 1972, and Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb,  between 2007 and 2011, gave PLU the masks, figures and other objects that comprise the collection. These represent works from 16 countries and the creative output of artists from nearly 30 cultural traditions.

The Lehmanns

Between 1972 and 1992 Dr. J. Hans and Thelma Lehmann gave PLU 28 pieces of African art. In 2005 Thelma Lehmann gave one more piece and in 2005 (Boat with Warriors; accession no.2005-01-001) and promised additional pieces only if PLU had a place to display them.
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Between 1972 and 1992, Dr. J. Hans and Thelma Lehmann gave PLU 28 pieces of African art.  In 2005, Thelma Lehmann gave one more piece (Boat with Warriors; accession no.2005-01-001) and promised additional pieces only if PLU had a place to display them.


The Cobbs

In summer 2007 Dr. Oliver (Ollie) Cobb, a retired Seattle MD, approached PLU expressing the wish to give the University a piece of African art in memory of the Lehmanns who had been friends and fellow collectors, and who he knew had given a number of pieces to PLU.
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In summer 2007, Dr. Oliver (Ollie) Cobb, a retired Seattle physician, approached PLU expressing the wish to give the university a piece of African art in memory of the Lehmanns, who had been friends and fellow collectors, and who had given a number of pieces to PLU.