Vera Blackwell papers, 1960-1990

Creator:

Extent:

15 linear feet (30 manuscript boxes)

Language:

English, German, Czech

Scope and content:

This collection consist of the papers, manuscripts, correspondence, notes, audiotapes, and photographs of Vera Blackwell. The collection relates both to her translations, as well as to her writing, poetry, TV/radio scripts, and personal travels. There is a significant amount of personal correspondence and photographs.

The material is generally loose paper including correspondence, notes, manuscripts, news clippings, bound items including magazines, pamphlets, and playbills. Also included are seven audiotapes related to Radio Free Europe, and large number of photographs, slides, and negatives.

Significant amount of material related to Vaclav Havel (especially survey units #3,4,5,30); autographed correspondence with Vaclav Havel in survey unit #5; books inscribed by Havel in survey unit #56.

Biographical / historical:

Vera Blackwell (July 23, 1924-Nov. 20, 1995), a Czech émigré to the UK, served as a translator for Vaclav Havel. Between 1968 and 1984, Blackwell was not only Havel's translator, but also his "eyes and ears in England." Blackwell promoted Havel's works, struck a unique fifty-fifty copyright agreement with Havel, and even enjoyed power of attorney. She produced versions of The Garden Party, The Memorandum and Increased Difficulty of Concentration, which were produced in the UK.

Catalog record:: View in CLIO
Local call number:: BA#0585
Processing information:: Collection-level record describing unprocessed material made public in summer 2018 as part of the Hidden Collections initiative.
Acquisition information:: accn no: 338.
Accruals:: Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Rules or conventions:: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Vera Blackwell Papers; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Material is unprocessed. Please contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located on-site.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
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Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection