Notable Acquisitions

Turnbull Library Record, Volume 21, Issue 2, 1 October 1988, Page 99

Notable Acquisitions

The Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand A recent agreement between the Alexander Turnbull Library and the Trustees of the Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre has provided for the secure

accommodation within the Library of the research collections assembled by the Centre over the last ten years. The collection, to be known as ‘The Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand’ (LAGANZ), comprises manuscripts, personal papers, organisational archives and printed materials —books, pamphlets, serials, maps, ephemera as well as photographs, sound recordings and memorabilia. The inclusion of the archives of both the movement for sexual law reform and the gay rights movement makes it a comprehensive research level collection.

Announcing the agreement, Sharon Dell, the Library’s Keeper of Collections, said, ‘These collections form a unique and valuable range of research materials on the lesbian and gay movement and we are pleased to be able to help a significant social movement to preserve its records under conditions of access which protect the often sensitive personal information such records contain.’

Concern for the future of the collections had been felt for some time. In September 1986, shortly after the passage of the Homosexual Law Reform Act, the Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre was attacked by arsonists. The Turnbull Library provided assistance and shelter for the evacuation and salvage of the collections, most of which survived. The collections were then put into storage while new premises were sought. However, the cost of secure premises in the city was prohibitive for the Centre, which has been almost entirely community funded.

The sensitive content of much of the collection means special arrangements to protect confidential information are needed. Ownership and control over access to the collection remains with the trustees of the Centre, acting on behalf of the lesbian and gay community, through two honorary curators appointed by them. The curators are Sara Knox and Phil Parkinson, both currently members of the Alexander Turnbull Library staff. They have the discretion to refuse unreasonable access in accordance with donor requirements and the ethical obligations of archival custodians.

The collections have been under the control of professional librarians since they were established, and are comparatively well-controlled and organised. The printed collections are fully catalogued and a subject thesaurus provides detailed subject access to the printed books, pamphlets and serials. Topics include sexual law reform, civil rights issues, health concerns, censorship, lesbian/gay studies, the history of gay people and lesbian/gay creative writing, the gay movement, feminism, the men’s movement and other social and radical movements. A particular strength is the documentation of the AIDS pandemic. Some subject access to the collections of archival papers is also provided, and inventories are in preparation. The collections are open to all bona fide researchers, not just to lesbians and gay men, subject to donor and curatorial restrictions. Enquiries should be directed to the Curators, either at the Library or to Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand, P.O. Box 11-695, Wellington.

New Zealand Federation of Labour 1937-88 In July 1988 the Library received approximately forty-five metres of the New Zealand Federation of Labour archives. The FOL was the major national

federation of private sector workers from 1937 until May 1988, when it was replaced by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. The archives transferred cover the period 1937 until 1978, and in some cases the mid 1980 s. Records from approximately 1978 have been retained by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. These will be transferred to the Library at regular intervals as they are no longer needed for administrative use. Through the Trade Union History Project, the archives have been arranged and described and a guide to them produced.

The archives constitute a major source for New Zealand labour history and include correspondence and subject files, minutes, conference papers, photographs, sound tapes, video recordings, posters, publications and collected ephemera. All areas of FOL activity are covered including wage bargaining, disputes, involvement in social and economic issues and relations with affiliates, outside organisations, Government and Labour Party. Through this emerges a detailed picture of organised union response to, and debate about, national and international developments for half a century. There are gaps in the records, particularly from the 1930 s to the mid 1940 s when some were burned, and again in the early 19605. Some official Federation of Labour records already held in the Library partially compensate for these gaps. Access to the archives is restricted and requires the written permission of the President, NZCTU, and the Chief Librarian.

Post Office Photographic Project The first major photographic documentary project undertaken by the Library depicts Post Office buildings which closed, and activities which ended on 5 February 1988. The project was proposed by Martin Taylor of Paragon Arts and supported by New Zealand Post. The photographers Laurence Aberhart, Peter Black, Fiona Clark, Paul McCredie, Chris Matthews, Peter Ritchie and Ans Westra were commissioned by the Library. The proof sheets of their work are held by the Photographic Archive.

Gutenberg Bible Facsimile To complement the two important collections of early printed Bibles held by the Library, the Howard Collection and the Bible Society in New Zealand Collection, a facsimile reproduction of the first printed Bible has been purchased. The original was printed in Mainz about 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable type. The facsimile edition is a meticulous reproduction of the copy held in the Bibliotheque Mazarine, Paris. It is accompanied by an explanatory text.

European Fine Printing The recent purchase of some two hundred and fifty Czech bibliophile editions, mostly of the twentieth century, has broadened the Library’s strong collection of private press and fine printed books. The majority are bound in calf, and many are on hand-made paper and illustrated. The chief emphasis of this new collection is on the quality of printing, illustration and binding.

Warwick Braithwaite Collection Mrs Lorna Braithwaite has presented on long-term loan works composed by her husband, Warwick Braithwaite, a New Zealand conductor and pianist. The collection comprises his original music scores and libretti, and includes correspondence, scrapbooks and ephemera which reflect his lifelong association with opera.

Paul and Diny Schramm Collection Paul Schramm was an Austrian-born concert pianist, composer and conductor. His wife Diny was born in Holland and was a pianist, teacher and President of the Leschetizsky Association, founded to continue the work of Theodore Leschetizsky. They came to New Zealand in 1938 and performed throughout the country. Their collection was acquired by donation and purchase and includes papers of the Leschetizsky Association, rare editions of early printed music, music scores of compositions and arrangements by Paul Schramm, music teaching materials, correspondence, scrapbooks and ephemera.