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J. Alfred Swatkins Sketchbooks

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-3911

Scope and Contents

The collection contains four bound sketchbooks filled with drawings by Swatkins. The town, sea and landscapes depict scenes of Cornish villages and coastal areas. There is also a World War I era permit book, issued in England to John Alfred Swatkins. These types of permits allowed the holder to be outside during prohibited hours, to photograph or sketch in prohibited areas, and to enter prohibited or restricted areas. The collection also contains a letter from noted British author Marie Corelli in Stratford-on-Avon, complimenting Swatkins on his work and inquiring if it was ever used in the London press or by publishers.

Dates

  • 1912-1947

Restrictions

None

Biographical / Historical

J. Alfred Swatkins was a British artist sketching land, sea and townscapes in Cornwall during and after World War I. There is very little biographical information about him, but there is evidence of his work still being exhibited and sold at auction for an estimated $500-$800.

Marie Corelli, pen name for Mary Mackay (1855-1924), was a British novelist during the Victorian period. Some of her better-known works include: A Romance of Two Worlds (1886); Wormwood (1890); The Sorrows of Satan (1895); and The Secret Power (1921).

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Overview

Four bound sketchbooks filled with drawings by Swatkins, a World War I era permit book, issued in England to John Alfred Swatkins, and a letter from noted British author Marie Corelli in Stratford-on-Avon, to Swatkins, complimenting his work and inquiring if it was ever used in the London press or by publishers.

Provenance

Unknown

Processing Information

Processed by Erin Schmidt, 2011
Title
Guide to the J. Alfred Swatkins Sketchbooks
Status
Completed
Date
September 2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0266
205.348.0513