Guide to the Papers of Gertrude Scarlett
MS 10541
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Collection Summary
- Creator
- Scarlett, Gertrude, 1886-1970
- Title
- Papers of Gertrude Scarlett
- Date Range
- 1857-1988
- Collection Number
- MS 10541
- Extent
- 1.08 metres (3 small folio boxes + 1 archives box)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Introduction
Scope and Contents
The collection comprises correspondence, photographs, publications and manuscripts, an early note book, sketch book, a handmade children's book, an illustrated autograph book and newspaper cuttings. The letters, mainly written during World War II, that include letters from the poet, writer and editor Nancy Keesing and journalist, travel writer and novelist Ernestine Hill, provide insights into life in 1940s Sydney and include references to the Sydney Short Story Club of which Gertrude and Nancy were active members.
Conditions Governing Access
Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8169704).
Conditions Governing Use
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Gertrude Scarlett, National Library of Australia, MS 10541, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Finding Aid Source
Please note: This finding aid comprises descriptive information provided by the donor.
Item Descriptions
Class 1. Consignment received December 2019, 1857 - 1988
This consignment includes correspondence from Nancy Keesing, photographs, family correspondence, an early note book, sketch book and illustrated autograph book – whose contents inform her life and character. The letters are mainly written during World War II and are interesting on a number of counts, not least of which are the insights into the Sydney Short Story Club of which Gertrude and Nancy were active members.
Series 1. Nancy Keesing correspondence
Nancy Keesing's letters illuminate their friendship and include references to Keesing's life, writing and literary circle.
Series 2. Correspondence between Gertrude Scarlett and her son Grahame
This is a fragment of an extended wartime correspondence with her elder son. The letters refer to family and personal matters, life in 1940s wartime Sydney, the progress of the war, Nancy Keesing, the Sydney Short Story Club and its members, books, music and literary personalities.
Series 3. Other correspondence
Letters cards and copies of letters retained by Gertrude Scarlett, 1917-1970 (File) - Folio-Box 2 (MS 10541)
Correspondents include Robert Dalley Scarlett [husband], Hubert Scarlett [son], Philippa Scarlett [Granddaughter], Anne Croft nee Peir [aunt - publicly known as sister], Joyce Scarlett [Daughter in Law], Margery Keesing [Mother of Nancy], Alfred Coffey [Art Teacher] and Ernestine Hill
Series 7. Autograph Book
Contents include autographs of family, Grafton friends, and musicians including pianist Arthur Rubenstein (with bar of music), John Phillip Sousa, the Wright brothers (aviators), her art teacher Alfred Coffey (with sketch). The spectrum of people represented reflects her life and interests, c1900-c1950 (File) - Box 4 (MS 10541)
Series 9. Notebook
Series of reminisces in diary form written an old accounts book, c1955-c1963 (File) - Box 4 (MS 10541)
This consists of a series of reminiscences which include life and events at Sutherland Grafton and Greenwich and documents her love of nature, the heavens, books and her family and friends, Nancy Keesing and the Sydney Short Story Club. The entries are not made in any order and are written in an old accounts book. There is evidence that some entries have been torn out