Guide to the Papers of Martin Boyd

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MS 10555

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Created: October 2020

Collection Summary

Creator
Boyd, Martin
Title
Papers of Martin Boyd
Date Range
1854-1982
Collection Number
MS 10555
Extent
2.40 metres (10 ms boxes, 1 folio packet)
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)

Introduction

Content Description

The collection includes detailed diaries kept by Boyd for the period 1941-1955; manuscripts or typescripts of many of writings; a small amount of correspondence; legal and financial papers; notebooks; photographs; and news cuttings. Also examples of artwork by both Boyd and his extended family.

Conditions Governing Access

Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8537542).

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Martin Boyd, National Library of Australia, MS 10555, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.

Provenance

The papers of Martin Boyd that were retained by his sister, Lady Nolan (nee Mary Boyd), following his death in 1972 and after her death in 2016 by her immediate family from whom the collection was acquired.

Papers of Martin Boyd, MS 6810

Papers of Martin Boyd, MS 6812

Letter of Martin Boyd, MS 8473

Letters of Martin Boyd, MS 6813

Letter of Martin Boyd, MS 9541

Letters of Martin Boyd

Papers of Lady Hertha Hay

Bibliography

Martin Boyd was an Australian author.

Item Descriptions

Class 1. Original consignment, received September 2020, 1854-1982

This consignment comprises detailed diaries for 1941-55 and manuscripts or typescripts of many of Boyd's writings, together with some correspondence, legal and financial papers, notebooks, photographs and news cuttings. Also examples of artwork by both Boyd and his extended family.

Series 1. Diaries, 1941-1955

Diary, 12 March 1941-2 June 1943 (File 1) - Box 1

Bound, brown paper covers, inscribed 'Martin Boyd, Plumstead, Little Eversden, Cambridge'; entries in blue ink. Begins with Boyd's move into Plumstead 12 March. Daily entries recording visitors, garden planting and cultivation, daily business, arrangement of house and its furnishing, 'mishaps' (as with car), weather, food purchases (often with prices), letters received, invitations. Daily routine mainly garden and use of produce, visitors, taking guests and others into Cambridge. Occasional references to writing (as 'wrote in morning', 'approached novel again', 'work a bit am', etc), readings (Tolstoy), films and plays seen. Entries: 22 June 1941 'John told me Russia attacked by Germany' (a rare reference to the war); 15 July 1941 (underlined) 'No oil'; 28 September 1941 'made some a'Beckett seal impressions' (this the weekend Col. a'Beckett came to stay); 30 September 1941 'Frightful letter from Ainslie Pharall. Wrote amiable non-committal reply'; 1 November 1941 (underlined) 'Go to tea with Marge at Criterion'; 5 November 1941 'cheque 63/15/9 gbp Curtis Beam mostly Guild 'lemon Farm' 36,000 copies sold'; 6 November 1941 re letters from B and R with final statement of Mim's estate...'. Names mentioned include Hugh (Fausset), Marge and Eric Rutherford, Gordon, Madeline Keyes, Helen, Mim, Arthur Hay, Madeline and Piggy, Miss Plummer and Col. a' Beckett, Raymond Wood. Inserts at page commencing 9 Jan 1943 (printed items): poem Spring Song by Walter Roberts and An Elizabethan prayer for our enemies.

Diary, 3 June 1943-1 April 1945 (File 2) - Box 1

Brown paper covers with (faint) ink sketch of putti holding a shield, entries in blue ink, inscribed as previous diary with 1 Jesus Lane added below the Plumstead address. Similar detailed daily entries as first diary. Much on visits to Kings and music heard there and interest in chorister John (some entries made in French); also to Colin, staying with him and receiving coaching for entrance test (pass noted in entry 15 March 1945). Letters received are notably less. More references to writing (or not writing), e.g. 27 February 1945 'I am a perfect bloody fool not to ('sport my oak'?) till my book is finished' Two loose sheets at back of volume with schedule/calendar of visitors and appointments for 1-31 October (no year, but 1943) and for 6 February-3 March (1944). Insert at page commencing 28 Jun 1944 'An Elizabethan prayer for our enemies'.

Diary, 2 April 1945-28 February 1950 (File 3) - Box 1

Maroon paper boards, entries black, blue and occasionally green ink or pencil entries, inscribed with Plumstead address. Start of years illustrated with drawings, 1949 with putti holding a crown over a cornucopia. Some notes on expenditure at end, also addresses and telephone numbers. Inserts inside front cover: letters 2 and 21 July 1948 from Aubrey Toppin, York Herald, College of Arms London re work on his pedigree; cutting of letter by Boyd to the Times April 1945 on the place of the Classics; an airletter from Julian Smith, Cheam Surrey 25 August 1948 thanking Martin for a visit and book token; letter addressed just to 'Martin Boyd, author' from Jan Flier, Breda, Holland, 26 July 1948, praising Scandal of Spring and Lucinda Brayford and inviting him to visit him in Breda. Inserts inside back cover include: notes for a proposed book called The Savage Race, 'an idea for a novel on the times of Virginia Woolf in Orlando but not with one character'; scrap with 'coat of arms' of Martin a'Beckett Boyd, astrological workings; and miscellaneous scraps re books read or to read and music.

Diary, 1 March 1950-28 August 1955 (File 4) - Box 1

Brown buckram, entries in blue, black and occasional green ink and illustration at start of 1955 similar to previous diary. First page formally labelled 'Diary of Martin a'Beckett Boyd, late of The Grange, Harkaway, Victoria/Melbourne Club' with names of his lawyers and executors and his bank. More references to his writing, e.g. 1 March 1950 'Worked in desultory fashion on bringing opening of new novel into shape', 10 March 1950 'wrote a bit am' etc. At end, 'Verses written to John in France in September 1951'. Inserts include: page commencing 30 Jun 1951, copy of (printed) 'Rhyme Royal' by Walter Roberts (on the occasion of H.M. the Queen passing through Grantchester, July 5 1951) inscribed 'To welcome Martin on his return to this celestial city'; horoscope dated 8 Jul 1955; cuttings of letters to The Times, 16 March 1955, on the issues of disarmament and use of the atomic bomb; legal undertaking of Mary Elizabeth a'Beckett Perceval, 18 June 1953, acknowledging receipt of a loan of 1000gbp; letter of David Boyd re receipt of loan of 250gbp for the purchase of pottery equipment; letter from Colin, 26 April (no year, juvenile hand and content); drafts of horoscopes.

Series 2. Letters, cards and postcards, 1919-1972

Postcards, 1919-1972 (File 1) - Box 1

A group of ninety-one postcards sent to Boyd by various correspondents.

Letters, 1943-1947 (File 2) - Box 1

Correspondence with the Archbishop of Canterbury August 1943 and July 1947 on spiritual/moral issues. Drafts/copies of Boyd's letters included.

Letters, 1951-1957 (File 3) - Box 2

Personal, official and professional correspondence. Includes four letters from Hilde Seidel, 1951/4 and 1956-7, with original sketches; letter of Gilbert Murray, 5 November 1953, on behalf of the Society of Australian Writers thanking Boyd for his contribution to The Sunburnt Country; letters, 1953, from Max and Joan and 1954 from Jessie; letter from the York Herald, March 1957, re the a'Beckett pedigree (others of 1948 are inserted into 1945-50 diary); letters from the NZ High Commissioner's office re Boyd's New Zealand citizenship status and passport application, 1957; letter from Mim, 13 October 1965, on Boyd's depressed state, in which she encloses a letter written to her by him from Rome, 23 February 1962, on writing, class and contemporary England; Enid Laurie, Cheltenham, 8 November 1966, re family connection; Dallas Kenmare, Tangier, 18 October 1967, re his life, writings (references to The Dark wood and Firebird) and issues of disposal of his papers; Glorney, 30 March 1972, with thanks for loan of 200gbp; 'Hugh', 1957; and A.D. Peters, literary agent, 1957.

Greeting cards (File 4) - Box 2

A small group of Christmas and other cards (mainly from family), undated. Includes one from 'the a'Becketts' with photo of three children; one from Arthur and family for Uncle martin, on card with reproduction of Arthur Boyd's painting The waterhole, Central Australia'; and one to Uncle Martin from Gayner and Derek with painting by Gayner of the three kings.

Drafts of letters (File 5) - Box 2

Notebook with drafts of letters by Boyd, undated (but late, c.1971-72).

Series 3. Manuscripts and notes for proposed writings by Boyd, 1952-1982

Dearest idol, 1980-1982 (File 1) - Box 2

Photocopy of published edition of 1929, sent to Mary Perceval by Warwick Gould, with his covering letter of 19 August 1980; also his letter of 2 April 1982 seeking advice on valuation of a watercolour by Boyd, and expressing concern at activities of a collector of Boyd mss and memorabilia.

The cardboard crown (File 2-4) - Box 2

Handwritten ms (with original title 'The Double World' crossed out and minor alterations), 120 pp. and press cuttings of reviews, (1952-1953).

The cardboard crown, 1952-1953 (File 5) - Box 3

Copy of Italian edition, translated by Silvio Curto, published under the title Il passato che èin noi (Turin, 1953).

A difficult young man, 1955 (File 6) - Box 3

Press cuttings of reviews.

An outbreak of love, c1957 (File 7) - Box 3

Handwritten ms with some alterations and deletions, 172pp. Also copy of The Bookman, April 1957, which includes An outbreak of love among the month's recommended books.

Much else in Italy: a subjective travel book (File 8-9) - Box 3

Manuscript draft. Also 'Notes for Italy Book', notebook part used, with Notes for foreword and entries under headings Assisi, St. Francis, S. Paolo, Anglicans and wars etc.; 'Notes to incorporate' at the end, with pages from other sources referenced (diary entries?) gives a fuller idea of the content.

When blackbirds sing, c1962 (File 10) - Box 4

Published copy (Abelard Schuman, 1962) with dust jacket (inside out with pen an ink illustration). A few marginal amendments of the text and on the back fly leaf in Boyd's hand notes on 'a sort of essay in seven parts' to be called 'Why they walk out'; also inserted are cuttings of a review by Olivia Manning and letters of congratulation from Helen... (Chelsea, 14 September) and Robin (Boyd) (South Yarra, 3 March 1963).

'Splendid women and startled men' (File 11) - Box 4

Typescript titled 'Splendid women and startled men', illustrated by Charlotte Adeney with a little music by John Alldis. A group of poems/songs/recitations, 21 pp.

'The specialists' (File 12) - Box 4

Typescript entitled 'The specialists', with very minor amendments, 53pp. Short story of friendship and writing 'partnership' between Mervyn Ormerod and John Downey, exploring issues of being a writer and the impact of success on character and integrity.

'Tropical Theresa' (File 13) - Box 4

Typescript titled 'Tropical Theresa' - series of humorous ditties/poems/songs.

Series 4. Notebooks, sketchbooks and other items relating to Boyd's writing and art, 1916-1969

Exercise book (File 1) - Box 4

Red paper covers. Contains sketches of house facades. Interiors and internal layout. Also contains notes (plot, characters) for Nuns in Jeopardy and cuttings of articles re furniture and antiques.

Exercise book (File 2) - Box 4

Exercise book (no covers) with similar sketches to those above of houses facades and layouts, but with extensive pencil notes on ideas re Sentiment.

Notebooks (File 3) - Box 4

Memo book with diary entries for August and 30 September to 5 October (no year) and misc. notes together with two small notebooks, untitled, containing notes for writings.

Notebook (File 4) - Box 4

Notebook used as Boyd's Italian phrase book and dictionary.

Miscellaneous notes (File 5) - Box 5

Loose papers within the covers of a writing pad with the address 'M. Boyd, Trumpington Hall, Cambridge'. Includes fragmentary notes on Religion and the Church (Anglican and Catholic); horoscope annotated 'finished Italy book 11.55 am 12 March 1957'; and further newspaper cuttings (editorials and letters) from The Times, c1956-58, on issues of peace, morality, religion and the Church and impact of the war on these. Also horoscopes for other significant days (as 'sign contract with Murrays 11 May 1956').

Sketchbook, 1916-1918 (File 6) - Box 5

Sketchbook of Martin a'Beckett Boyd, Tonbridge, Kent, 7 December 1916-April 1918. Ink drawings, a few with watercolour and some rougher pencil sketches, mainly building facades and interiors, and portraits of Crabbe and Eastwood.

Record of paintings and writings, 1964-1969 (File 7) - Box 5

Notebook listing paintings shown at the Heffer Art Gallery, pictures sent to Mrs Dulieu Smith, Yarra Gallery for 27 October 1967 and paintings and drawings etc. since October 1967 (to 1968). This notebook also records Boyd's writings 1920-69, including reprints, excerpts and articles as well as novels. Also catalogue of paintings by Boyd exhibited at The Heffer Art Gallery, Cambridge, 4-18 July 1964. Two copies, annotated with prices and possibly owners/purchasers/location.

Illustrated verse, bookplate and etching (File 8) - Box 5

Large piece of card with verse and illustrations, in the form of a sampler. (May have been created by Hilda Seidler - see her illustrated letters in box 2/series 2/ file 3). Bookplate (?) with stylised 'M'. Small sepia coloured etching - in foreground is a sailing boat on the water with a castle on an island in the background.

Paintings (File 9-12) - Folio 11

Four painted works: two large watercolours by Boyd, signed M, of children playing in a courtyard and a courtyard scene with Rome skyline; a design for a heraldic shield, with 'Boyd of Crosspatrick, Co. Mayo' on verso; and a smaller watercolour of woman 'painted by Elizabeth, self portrait'.

Series 5. Legal and financial documents, 1945-1956

Contracts relating to publications of Boyd's works, 1945-1956 (File 1) - Box 5

Including contract with Curtis Brown for Tomorrow shall be love, October 1945; memorandum of agreement for Swedish and Norwegian editions of Such Pleasure, 1950; ditto with E.P. Dutton and Co. for American edition of Lucinda Brayford, 2 April 1947 and other agreements for publication of Swedish, Danish and Norwegian editions 1947-48; contract with Murray and with Reynal and Co. re Outbreak of Love, 1956; royalty statement from Curtis Brown for Cardboard Crown, 31 October 1953.

Legal and financial documents, 1950s (File 2-3) - Box 5

Legal and financial documents and related correspondence and receipts, mainly 1950s. Include bills for purchase, sale and work on Park Vista, London 1953-55; receipts and invoices for insurance and tax, bank statements, receipt for Carte de séjour, 4 June 1953.

Legal and financial documents, 1950s (File 4-5) - Box 6

Legal and financial documents and related correspondence and receipts, mainly 1950s. Include bills for purchase, sale and work on Park Vista, London 1953-55; receipts and invoices for insurance and tax, bank statements, receipt for Carte de séjour, 4 June 1953.

Draft will (unsigned), 1956 (File 6) - Box 6
Commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Territorial Force, 1916 (File 7) - Box 6

Series 6. Horoscopes

Horoscopes for family and friends (File 1) - Box 6

Loose pages of sketches with annotations, most identified with name of individual for whom created.

Series 7. Photographs

Family photographs (File 1-5) - Box 7

Loose early black and white photographs - few of which are annotated.

Family photographs (File 6) - Box 7

A group of loose photographs from the inside front cover of an empty photograph album. Black and white, mostly not annotated.

Martin Boyd (File 7) - Box 7

Photographs of Boyd in military uniform, together with a later passport photograph.

King's College, Cambridge (File 8) - Box 7
Album (File 9-10) - Box 8

Album embossed 'E. a'B' with 13 pasted in photos of landscapes, village scenes, houses, family groups, a school and its headmaster, shipboard scenes, etc. some labelled in pencil; with other largely commercial prints of views, artworks etc, principally Italy. A group of loose commerical photographs of tourist scenes and artworks in Europe were inside the back cover and these have been placed in a separate folder.

Album (File 11) - Box 8

Album embossed 'Photographs', containing fourteen commercial photographs of buildings and landscapes.

Series 8. Miscellaneous material, 1854-1958

At home' cards for The Grange, Harkaway (multiple copies) (File 1) - Box 9
A small group of miscellaneous papers and items, including notes in Boyd's hand (File 2) - Box 9
Sketchbook of W.G. a'Beckett, 1854-1884 (File 3) - Box 9

Notes inside the front cover list the works as done at Melbourne 1854, Ventnor (Isle of Wight) 1857, London 1855-60, Creswick 1864 and St. Kilda 1867-68. Ink drawings (almost caricatures) of characters, a few with added watercolour and some unfinished pencil sketches, many on blue sheets pasted in. Some are identified as copies from Thackeray's 'The tremendous adventures of Major Gahagan'; there is also a work from Strutt's Native Police series from Ham's Magazine, without acknowledgement of the artist. The sketches are followed by a ms story, untitled, that begins 'Poor George he was much to be pitied...' and concludes 'George put on his hat and walked off'.

Magazine articles, 1934-1958 (File 4) - Box 9

Issue of the Women's' Weekly, 18 June 1958, on the a'Beckett family; an unidentified article re Boyd's renovation of 'the a'Beckett home at Berwick', and a copy of Country Life, 14 June 1934 featuring photos of The Grange, Harkaway, and the W.G. a'Beckett family. Also miscellaneous cuttings of articles on other (non- family) topics, including review of Walter Crocker's autobiography.

Art in Australia, No. 7, 1919 (File 5) - Box 9

Contains an article on Penleigh Boyd.

The landscapes of Penleigh Boyd, 1920; 1923 (File 6) - Box 9

Published Alexander McCubbin (inscribed to 'M.a'B. Boyd from Penleigh Boyd, Xmas 1920'. Limited edition, this copy being No. 427. Cuttings of obituary notices for Penleigh Boyd inserted.

Dr Schuessler's cellular therapy biochemistry, 1957 (File 7) - Box 9
Published journals (File 8) - Box 10

Raphael's Astronomical Ephemeris of the Planets' Places, 1892 and 1893 (revised and corrected issues published 1927), 1920, 1929-31, 1934, 1938-58 (significant for Boyd's interest in horoscopes). Also booklet entitled: The geocentric longitude and declinations of Neptune... for 1900-2001, c 1900.


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