Piper (David) Papers Relating to British Museums and Art Institutions, 1916-1990

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Summary

Title:

David Piper papers relating to British museums and art institutions

Dates:

1916-1990

Creators:

Piper, David

Abstract:

British museum director, art historian, and novelist (1918-1990). These papers reflect Piper's tenure as director of the National Portrait Gallery (1964-1967), the Fitzwilliam Museum (1967-1973), and the Ashmolean Museum (1973-1985), as well as his position on various boards and institutions. The collection consists of letters, notes, essays, reports, clippings, and some single journal issues and promotional material concerning the arts in Britain.

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Language:

Collection material is in English

Preferred citation:

David Piper Papers Relating to British Museums and Art Institutions, 1916-1990, Getty Research Institute, Research Library, Accession no. 960020.

http://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa960020

Background

Scope and content:

The David Piper Papers relate to Piper's tenure as director of the National Portrait Gallery (1964-1967), the Fitzwilliam Museum (1967-1973), and the Ashmolean Museum (1973-1985), as well as his position on various boards and institutions, such as the Royal Fine Art Commission and the Leeds Castle Foundation. The papers consist of letters, notes, essays, reports, clippings, and some single journal issues and promotional material concerning the arts in Britain. Incorporated are the miscellaneous papers of Isherwood Kay, Keeper at the National Gallery from 1933-1938. Dating mostly from 1924-1938, these papers include correspondence with members of the art world, including Collins Baker, Kenneth Clark, Charles Holmes, Ellis Waterhouse, Martin Davies, and others, as well as additional ephemera and a small collection of art postcards. Piper's literary manuscripts are not included.

Arrangement note

Organized in five series: I. Correspondence, ca. 1916-1989; II. Notes and writings, ca. 1928-1989; III. Ephemera, ca. 1925-1989; IV. Clippings, ca. 1926-1990; V. Art postcards.

Biographical / historical:

British museum director, art historian, and novelist (1918-1990).

Acquisition information:

Acquired in 1996.

Physical location:

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About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid prepared by Kirstin Hammer.
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2016-02-11T11:15-0800

Access and use

Restrictions:: Open for use by qualified researchers.
Terms of access:: Contact Library Rights and Reproductions.