The Robert Sowers Papers are comprised of materials dated from 1938 to 1991 that Sowers created, received or collected during his lifetime. These materials are primarily professional, documenting Sowers' interests and works as a stained glass artist and scholar. Included are the manuscripts for four published books; articles written for various publications; lectures and notes; correspondence with artistic colleagues; research files on a variety of topics; and ephemera items such as a scrapbook, sketchbooks, reviews and award certificates. This collection also contains a large quantity of artwork created by Sowers, which consists of design drawings for commissioned works as well as design drawings for individual stained glass panels and a series of abstract paintings.