Notebooks
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: Notebooks
Classmark: BC MS 20c Redgrove/2
Creator(s): Redgrove, Peter (1932-2003)
Date(s): 1974-1975
Size and medium: 6 bound notebooks
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/18619
Collection group(s): Leeds Poetry | English Literature
Description
This subfonds contains notebooks compiled by Peter Redgrove as he worked towards poetry and prose compositions. The notebooks are a part of Redgrove's system of composition, whereby he kept a journal of passing thoughts, dreams and automatic writing exercises, which were used to find poetic images that were then further developed. Redgrove often started by writing in prose form, then adapting the results to verse. Verse drafts are often pasted opposite their prose predecessor in the notebooks, which also include photographs, pictures and excerpts from his own and others' poetry, used as inspiration. The photographs are of friends and family (including his partner and later wife, Penelope Shuttle) and of the environment around him, all of which take part in the creative process. Dreams are recorded both in the notebooks generally, and in a separate 'dream book'. There are also some references to where Redgrove submitted his work for publication.The notebooks were compiled during the time
when Redgrove was an Instructor in English at Colgate University, New York (1974-1975). Those poems that were collected appear in 'Sons of my Skin: Redgrove's Selected Poems 1954-1974' (1975), 'From Every Chink of The Ark, and other New Poems' (1977) and 'The Moon Disposes, Poems 1954-1987' (1987). Individual collected and uncollected poems were published in the following journals and magazines: 'Stand', 'Encounter', 'New Statesman', 'Delta', 'London Magazine', 'Matrix', 'Last Fly', 'The Hudson Review', and 'Gallery'.
Provenance
This material was purchased from the Arts Council of Great Britain, 18 June 1976. The letters detailing this purchase are held with the collection.
System of arrangement
Redgrove's work on individual poems and prose compositions is often spread over more than one notebook. Where this is apparent, links between notebooks in the collection have been created.
Access and usage
Reproduction
Access
Access to this part of the collection is protected under the Data Protection Act. You will need to complete a data protection access form and return it to Special Collections for review by staff before access can be granted
Material in this collection is in copyright. Photocopies or digital images can only be supplied by the Library for research or private study within the terms of copyright legislation. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder's permission to reproduce for any other purpose. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.