The papers of Henry Radford Hope comprise six cubic feet and span from 1923 to 1999. The bulk of the collection is from the 1930s and 1940s. The papers are organized into ten series: Hope's Classwork and notes, Dissertation, Teaching, Writing, UNESCO, College Art Journal, Personal correspondence, Day planners, Public speaking, and Research.

Hope's Classwork and notes 1936-1940: Arranged chronologically, this series contains class notes and papers from Hope's days as a student. Most of the papers are from his time at Harvard, but there are a few early folders from his studies in Paris.

Dissertation 1941-1953: This series is arranged alphabetically by subject. It consists of research Hope conducted in preparation for his dissertation on "Art Nouveau," also known as "Decorative Art." Also included are several files of hand or typewritten drafts marked with corrections. There is not a final copy of the dissertation in the collection.

Teaching 1933-1965: Included in this series are exams, handouts, and handwritten lecture notes from classes Hope taught while at Harvard and IU, with the bulk being from IU. They are arranged chronologically and are not grouped by class, as Hope frequently just labeled the files by subject matter. Included are two files of papers and exams written by Hope's students, names have been redacted for privacy.

Writings 1932-1965: Arranged chronologically, this series consists of creative writing, notes, and typewritten or handwritten papers. A first draft of Hope's biography on the artist Georges Braque, which became known as the definitive work on the artist, can be found here. In addition, there is a first draft of his book on Jacques Lipchitz. There are no reprints or copies of published works; most are Hope's first drafts or handwritten notes for future papers.

UNESCO 1950-1951: Hope was chosen to be the Indiana delegate on art activities for the 9th meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO. This series, arranged chronologically, includes correspondence about the appointment and papers and books for the meeting held in Washington, D.C.

College Art Journal 1943-1967: For several years Hope served as the editor of the College Art Journal. The majority of this series consists of correspondence from individuals hoping to have their work included in the Journal. This series is arranged chronologically.

Personal correspondence 1933-1976: These folders are arranged alphabetically by correspondent. It consists primarily of personal correspondence from the late 1930s and the 1940s and includes very few letters written by Hope himself. Prominently featured are Hope's mistress Helene Barland, friends George and Teddy Cummings, and first wife Dorothy "Dot" Hope. Also found here are the numerous letters Hope sent out in hopes of gaining war work during World War II. Because he had suffered from tuberculosis in the 1930s and his lack of qualifications, he was unable to secure war work.

Day planners 1938-1965: Dr. Hope kept one book per year with frequent entries about appointments, classes, meetings, and personal observations on everyday happenings in his life. Arranged chronologically.

Public speaking 1937-1967: This series contains handwritten notes of public speeches and lectures given or attended by Hope. The files containing notes on lectures given by Hope frequently contain correspondence and research. Included is correspondence regarding famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in preparation for a presentation to the Fine Arts faculty. Arranged chronologically.

Research 1923-1999: Chronologically arranged, this series contains handwritten notes and correspondence on a variety of topics. It is possible these were notes in preparation for papers, classes lectures, or Hope's dissertation. Some examples of files are "Art Nouveau," "Garden of Hephaistus," and "Musical Representation in Art." Also found here is a file of notecards, on which Hope wrote notes and citations for books, as well as publications which he collected or were sent to him by colleagues.