April 29, 2015, Filed Under: Books + Manuscripts, ConservationPforzheimer library receives proactive conservation assessment In 1986 when the Ransom Center acquired the Carl H. Pforzheimer library of early English literature, with books dating from 1475 to 1700, the book world gasped. The Pforzheimer library was the outstanding private collection of early English books available, and the acquisition of this exceptional private library of carefully… read more
April 28, 2015, Filed Under: ConservationHere lies Gloria One of the most unusual items in the Ransom Center’s collections resides within the Gloria Swanson archive, and it’s as challenging as it is amusing. The “sugar coffin,” as it has become known, was given to Swanson by avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger, in response to a lawsuit filed by Swanson… read more
April 28, 2015, Filed Under: ConservationTexas insect ID flashcards go global When boxes of collection materials arrive at the Ransom Center, conservators and archivists gather at the tables in the quarantine room in the basement to inspect the contents, looking for insects and the telltale signs of them—as well as for mold, another great enemy of archives. Leading the effort is… read more
April 27, 2015, Filed Under: ConservationPreservation Week celebrates importance of care of collection materials Preservation Week is an effort to promote preservation and conservation for cultural heritage materials throughout the United States. In 2004, Heritage Preservation performed the first national survey to document the preservation needs of cultural collections held in libraries, archives, and museums. The survey, now known as the Heritage Health Index,… read more
April 20, 2015, Filed Under: Books + Manuscripts, Cataloging, Research + TeachingLetter in Sunwise Turn collection sheds light on forgotten artist/daredevil Among the papers of Mary Mowbray Clarke included in the Sunwise Turn archive is Ms. Mowbray Clarke’s personal correspondence. The major portion of these letters span the years 1905–1917, from about the time she married John Mowbray Clarke up to the opening of the Sunwise Turn bookshop in partnership with… read more
April 20, 2015, Filed Under: Meet the Staff, Theatre + Performing ArtsEric Colleary named as Cline Curator of Theater and Performing Arts The Harry Ransom Center announces the appointment of Eric Colleary as Cline Curator of Theater and Performing Arts. In this position, Colleary will oversee research, access, and interpretation of the Ransom Center’s theater and performing arts materials.
