Vera Blackwell papers, 1960-1990

Summary Information

At a Glance

Description

Summary

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.

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

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

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection is located on-site.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies 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.

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.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Collection-level record describing unprocessed material made public in summer 2018 as part of the Hidden Collections initiative.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

Vera Blackwell (1924-), 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.