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George Phillips Sweepiana Collection
MS-0186
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Repository:
Special Collections & University Archives: Finding Aid Database
5500 Campanile Dr. MC 8050
San Diego, CA, 92182-8050
URL: http://hobbit.sdsu.edu/archon
Email: scref@rohan.sdsu.edu
Phone: 619-594-6791
Fax: 619-594-0466
Creator:
Phillips, George
Title: George Phillips Sweepiana Collection
Dates: 1932-1963
Quantity: 47.05
Abstract: The George Phillips Sweepiana Collection is a comprehensive collection of materials related to chimney sweepers. The collection
dates from approximately 1932-1963, with the bulk of the documents undated. It consists of both paper records and artifacts.
The collection has a broad interdisciplinary focus and includes literature, history, art, and artifacts relating to chimney
sweeping. It has been divided into five series: Research Files, Publications, Correspondence and Clippings, Personal Files,
and Figuring and Artifact Collection.
Identification: MS-0186
Language of Materials:
The papers are in:
English
Dr. George Phillips taught in the English department at San Diego State University from 1947-1973. A scholar of 18th and
19th Century British literature, Phillips was recognized as the world's authority on the history and literature of chimney
sweeps. For over fifty years Phillips amassed a sizeable collection of books, prints, manuscripts, paintings, and memorabilia
from all over New York and Europe.
Phillips also wrote a number of articles and books on chimney sweeps. Perhaps one of his best known works was "American Chimney
Sweeps: An Historical Account of a Once Important Trade," which was illustrated by noted San Diego artist Everett Gee Jackson.
The George Phillips Sweepiana Collection is a comprehensive collection of materials related to chimney sweepers. The collection
dates from approximately 1932-1963, with the bulk of the documents undated. It consists of both paper records and artifacts.
The collection has a broad interdisciplinary focus and includes literature, history, art, and artifacts relating to chimney
sweeping. It has been divided into five series: Research Files, Publications, Correspondence and Clippings, Personal Files,
and Figuring and Artifact Collection.
The Research Files series document Phillips research on chimney sweeps. Records date from 1932-1960; most of the materials
are undated. This series covers a wide range of subjects, including regulations, costumes and disguises, bills, advertisements,
resource pamphlets, and periodicals. There is no filing order.
The Publications series documents Phillips own publications on sweepania. Records date from 1947-1963. Materials in this
series include numerous articles on chimney sweeps published by Phillips, as well as two books he wrote on the subject. One
of these books, "American Chimney Sweeps: An Historical Account of a Once Important Trade," was illustrated by San Diego artist
Everett Gee Jackson. The materials are organized chronologically.
The Correspondence and Clippings series includes a miscellaneous collection of Phillip's correspondence and clippings. Materials
date from 1943-1944, with most of the records undated. There is no filing order.
The Personal Files series include Phillips personal papers. The records in this collection are undated. Included in these
papers are newspaper clippings, birthday cards, financial records, and photographs. There is no filing order.
The George Phillips Figurine and Artifact Collection series includes seven boxes of artifacts and a chimney sweeping device.
The artifacts are all undated. This collection includes numerous figurines, incense burners, dolls, nutcrackers, plaques,
ceramics, pins, coins, a sweep hat, and block print negatives used for Phillips publications. There is no filing order.
I. Research Files, 1932-1960
II. Publications, 1947-1963
III. Correspondence and Clippings, 1943-1944
IV. Personal Files
V. Figurine and Artifact Collection
This Collection is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
Personal Papers
Publications
Chimney sweeps -- History -- Sources
Phillips, George Lewis, 1909- -- Archives
This collection is open for research.
The copyright interests in the materials found in this collection have not been transferred to San Diego State University.
Special Collections and University Archives can only grant permission to publish materials for which it is the copyright holder.
For further information, please consult the section on copyright in the rules for using the collections, or contact the United
States Copyright Office at (202) 707-3000 or http://www.copyright.gov.