Guide to the J. Alfred Swatkins Sketchbooks MSS.3911
Swatkins, J. Alfred
- Publication:
W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama
Mary Harmon Bryant Hall
September 2011
500 Hackberry Lane
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487-0266
205.348.0500
archives@ua.edu
- Creation:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2011-12-13T11:52-0600
- Language Usage:
English
- Description Rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
J. Alfred Swatkins Sketchbooks
- Unit ID:
MSS.3911
- Repository:
W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama
- Quantity:
0.2 Linear feet
- Dates:
1912-1947
- Abstract:
Four bound sketchbooks filled with drawings by Swatkins, a World War I era permit book, issued in England to John Alfred Swatkins, and a letter from noted British author Marie Corelli in Stratford-on-Avon, to Swatkins, complimenting his work and inquiring if it was ever used in the London press or by publishers.
- Access Restrictions:
Restrictions
None
- Processing Information:
Processing Information note
Processed by Erin Schmidt, 2011
- Preferred Citation:
Preferred Citation note
J. Alfred Swatkins Sketchbooks, W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama
Biographical/Historical note
J. Alfred Swatkins was a British artist sketching land, sea and townscapes in Cornwall during and after World War I. There is very little biographical information about him, but there is evidence of his work still being exhibited and sold at auction for an estimated $500-$800.
Marie Corelli, pen name for Mary Mackay (1855-1924), was a British novelist during the Victorian period. Some of her better-known works include: A Romance of Two Worlds (1886); Wormwood (1890); The Sorrows of Satan (1895); and The Secret Power (1921).
Scope and Contents note
The collection contains four bound sketchbooks filled with drawings by Swatkins. The town, sea and landscapes depict scenes of Cornish villages and coastal areas. There is also a World War I era permit book, issued in England to John Alfred Swatkins. These typed of permits allowed the holder to be outside during prohibited hours, to photograph or sketch in prohibited areas, and to enter prohibited or restricted areas. The collection also contains a letter from noted British author Marie Corelli in Stratford-on-Avon, complimenting Swatkins on his work and inquiring if it was ever used in the London press or by publishers.
- Acquisition Information:
Provenance
Unknown
Sketchbook, 1913-1916 Box SC0083 Folder 3911.01
Sketchbook, 1923-1924 Box SC0083 Folder 3911.02
Sketchbook, 1932-1945 Box SC0083 Folder 3911.03
Sketchbook, 1937-1949 Box SC0083 Folder 3911.04
World War I Permit Book and Letter Box SC0083 Folder 3911.05