Wan-go H.C. Weng film collection, circa 1938-1991, bulk 1948-1980
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Collection context
- Creator:
- Weng, Wango H. C.
- Extent:
- 50 Linear Feet 50 record cartons/clam-shell boxes
- Language:
- English , Chinese .
- Scope and content:
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The Wan-go H.C. Weng film collection (翁萬戈影視收藏) consists of motion picture film materials from the collection of Weng Wango (1918-2020), the noted art historian, art collector, and filmmaker. The collection consists of approximately 739 individual film elements, almost all 16mm, dating from circa 1944 to 1980. In addition to the 16mm film, there are three 35mm films and 28 1/4-inch open-reel audiotapes. The materials in the collection primarily relate to films produced by Weng, including series of films on Chinese history, Chinese cities and towns, and Chinese art. The collection also includes materials were collected by Weng but were, presumably, owned by him or his production company. Included in the collection are a wide variety of different types of film elements, including original film, master picture and sound elements, projection prints, work prints, trims, and outs. While some of Weng's films have been made available through various avenues, including the educational film distribution circuit, DVDs, and online, this is almost certainly the most complete collection of Weng's work, containing master and original materials for many of his films.
- Biographical / historical:
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Wan-go H.C. Weng (Wade-Giles: Weng Wan-go, Weng Wango; Pinyin: Weng Wange; Chinese: 翁万戈, 翁萬戈; also known as: Weng, Hsing Ching Wan-go; Weng, Hsing Ching; Weng Xingqing; 翁兴庆;, 翁興慶) was born in 1918, Shanghai, China. He is the fifth-generation descendant of Weng Tonghe (翁同龢), who was a Chinese scholar in the Qing dynasty. Weng Wango attended Shanghai Jiaotong University (上海交通大学) and studied engineering. In 1938, he began studying at Purdue University and received his master degree in engineering. He later also attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied art. In 1980s, he became the President of the China institute (华美协进社). He is a known art historian, collector, and film maker. In 2020, he died at the age of 102, in Lyme, New Hampshire.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material from the C.V. Starr East Asian Library at least 5 business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Special Collections reading room.
Unique time-based media items have been reformatted and are (available online / available onsite) via links in the container list. Commercial materials are not routinely digitized.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
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Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The C.V. Starr East Asian Library 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.
- Preferred citation:
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Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Wan-go H.C. Weng film collection; Box and Folder; C. V. Starr East Asian Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers should request materials at least one week in advance to ensure availability. Due to limited storage, please request only the materials you plan to use during your visit.
- Contact:
- starr@library.columbia.edu