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Sam Smith Collection

 Collection
Call Number: MSS 14
Scope and Contents

The collection comprises original work by Sam Smith including ink drawings, mock-ups, hand-carved wooden boats, paper model sets, and typescripts for three unpublished works: Bioscope Palace, Edward and his marvellous telescope, and Trudi, Angela and John Darme. One of these unpublished works, Bioscope Palace, illustrates Smith's interest in toy theater and silent cinema.

Also present is related correspondence, primarily between Smith and Max and Barbara Wilk. The letters cover many topics, including Smith's unpublished works and his exhibitions. Letters in the collection are from the period of ambition and recognition that Smith enjoyed in the 1970s. The tone is personal and comical and it is obvious that Smith took great care in producing the letters, as they are always hand addressed and signed with love from Sam. The collection also includes secondary material about Smith, including exhibition catalogs and magazine clippings

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The collection is the physical property of the Yale Center for British Art. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Max and Barbara Wilk.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into eight series: I. Bioscope Palace; II. Edward and His Marvellous Telescope; III. Trudi, Angela and John Darme; IV. Paper Model Sets; V. Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture; VI. Exhibition Material; VII. Correspondence; and VIII. Miscellaneous

Dates
1972-1996
Majority of material found within 1972 - 1979
Extent
4 Linear Feet
Related Names
Smith, Sam, 1908-
Language of Materials
English