Research papers of individual D.H. Lawrence scholars, 1917-1990

The separate groups of papers in this series reflect the work of Lawrencian scholarship in the mid to late 20th century. The bulk of the material is in the form of correspondence, but personal research notes have also in some cases been preserved. Scholars who have contributed research correspondence to this group include James T. Boulton, Vivian de Sola Pinto, Keith Sagar and Emile Delavenay.

The papers have a particular focus on Lawrence's early life, including letters from those who could recall him in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, comments by contemporary friends and acquaintances, and contacts with other researchers. Correspondents represented are wide ranging. Family members include Ada (Lawrence) Clarke, Frieda Lawrence, Emily (Lawrence) King and Margaret 'Peggy' Needham. Contributions by friends of Lawrence come from Jessie Chambers, J.D. Chambers, Rolf Gardiner, Helen Corke and Enid Hilton. A number of other local Eastwood figures, casual acquaintances, and researchers also feature.

Other papers within this group include research notes and drafts for an unpublished Lawrence book by Edward Gilbert, a copy of John Worthen's M.A. thesis on Lawrence's early novels and a group of bibliographical papers apparently collected by Thomas Warburton.

This artificial group brings together the collections of a number of individual Lawrence scholars who in the course of their research built up significant resources of material about the life and work of Lawrence. In some cases the papers form part of a small series referring to a particular biographical source, but in other cases they reflect sustained research over many years. The scholars in question were in general active in encouraging the development of a Lawrence Collection at the University, or used the Collection to a significant extent.

Although the earliest material in this group was acquired in the 1950s, it was not defined as a separate group until 1993, when the entire Lawrence Collection catalogue was reviewed and restructured. Until that time research materials were located in different parts of the collection. The creation of a new group provided an opportunity to rationalise the holdings. The revision involved a change in reference numbers; a conversion guide is available for researchers who encounter redundant references in citations.

The series is divided into separate groups, each concerning papers of individual scholars. Within these groups items are arranged either by name of correspondent or by date.

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Copyright in all Finding Aids belongs to the University of Nottingham.

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Catalogue available through the website of Manuscripts and Special Collections, Manuscripts Online Catalogue.

The items in this collection do not have a single provenance but have been acquired by the Department over many years through donation and purchase. The material continues to expand as new items are received.