The Ransom Center is delighted to be the home of the papers of film producer Denis O’Brien, which were recently donated to the Center. Denis O’Brien (1941–2021) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Northwestern University and the Washington University School of Law. After working for the Coudert Frères/Coudert… read more
Articles
Unrolling Works by Charles Henri Ford
Preserving items that were intended to be ephemeral, like posters, can pose a challenge. Movie posters and advertisements were sometimes adhered to a wall, torn, and left with adhesive remnants on their backing when removed. The inks and papers used in traditional posters can be glossy, and they are often… read more
Lucinda Williams’s memoir reveals deep connection with her father, poet Miller Williams
Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You by LUCINDA WILLIAMS Legendary rock, folk, and country music singer Lucinda Williams has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards and has won three. She was named “America’s best songwriter” by Time and one of the “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time” by… read more
Exploring the Visual Dimensions of Language
Art in Words: Prints from the 20th Century to Today In one print, the light from an unseen window falls across a series of affirmational statements. In another, interlocking, repeated letters in Cyrillic text encircle a tricycle wheel. Across the gallery, the top halves of the letters that spell “DUCHAMP”… read more
The Long Lives of First Folios
Four hundred years ago, on December 5, 1623, Sir Edward Dering spent nearly £4.50 as he went about London throughout the day. The 25-year-old bought a number of household items, sent a letter to Cambridge, and saw a play. He also went to see a bookbinder, paying to have a… read more
Finding Henry Street: the Broadway Revival of Funny Girl and New York City Dramaturgy
by BARRIE GELLES My heart was racing because I had just bolted through the New York City theatre district. As far as I was concerned, there was an archival emergency. I recognize the absurdity and humor in claiming that I was having a musical theatre crisis, but the urgency felt… read more