MS 679 01 14 01
Reference code
MS 679 01 14 01
Title
Moelwyn Merchant archive: Autograph and typed letters from John Piper to Moelwyn Merchant
Level
File
Date
1946-1992
Extent & medium
6 envelopes with a total of 296 items
Content description
Originally held in large bundles, the letters are arranged chronologically and divided into smaller folder for preservation purposes and ease of access.
Included in the files are some letters from Myfanwy Piper to Merchant and his wife Lynne, as well as carbon copies of some letters from Merchant to Piper
Several telegrams and postcards are also included in the files, along with tickets and other ephemera relating to exhibitions of Piper’s work
Contents of the letters can be summarised as follows:
1946-1949: The initial letters concern an article Merchant asked Piper to write: ‘The Artist and the Church’, an autograph copy of which is included in the file. The letters go on to talk about various artists as well as ideas for stages designs, particularly in relation to Shakespeare. A letter dated 10 March 1949 includes several pen and watercolour drawings by Piper of set designs
1950-1954: These letters concern Piper’s design for the cover of ‘Christian Drama’ magazine (vol. I, no. XIII, June 1950 & Nov. 1950), with initial designs, proofs and a copy of the final printed magazine included in the file. The letters also discuss Piper’s latest projects including his and Myfanwy Piper’s work with Benjamin Britten, and Merchant’s work on Wordsworth and other writings
1955-1958: These letters praise Merchant’s work as well as discussing Piper’s own work and the projects he is currently working on as well as art and artists in general
1959-1965: These letters concern various projects Piper is working on, particularly relating to the ‘Llandaff cartoon’, as well as the work of other artists
1966-1975: These letters concern Piper’s work, including tapestry designs for Chichester Cathedral and his other designs for churches and cathedrals. The letters also discuss the designs he is producing for Merchant, including a cover drawing for Merchant and Hoddinott’s oratorio ‘The Tree of Life’
1976-1991, plus undated and miscellaneous papers: These letters praise Merchant’s latest books and discussing his own work. The later letters are from Myfanwy Piper, sent as John Piper’s health declined. The file also includes an obituary for Piper
Included in the files are some letters from Myfanwy Piper to Merchant and his wife Lynne, as well as carbon copies of some letters from Merchant to Piper
Several telegrams and postcards are also included in the files, along with tickets and other ephemera relating to exhibitions of Piper’s work
Contents of the letters can be summarised as follows:
1946-1949: The initial letters concern an article Merchant asked Piper to write: ‘The Artist and the Church’, an autograph copy of which is included in the file. The letters go on to talk about various artists as well as ideas for stages designs, particularly in relation to Shakespeare. A letter dated 10 March 1949 includes several pen and watercolour drawings by Piper of set designs
1950-1954: These letters concern Piper’s design for the cover of ‘Christian Drama’ magazine (vol. I, no. XIII, June 1950 & Nov. 1950), with initial designs, proofs and a copy of the final printed magazine included in the file. The letters also discuss Piper’s latest projects including his and Myfanwy Piper’s work with Benjamin Britten, and Merchant’s work on Wordsworth and other writings
1955-1958: These letters praise Merchant’s work as well as discussing Piper’s own work and the projects he is currently working on as well as art and artists in general
1959-1965: These letters concern various projects Piper is working on, particularly relating to the ‘Llandaff cartoon’, as well as the work of other artists
1966-1975: These letters concern Piper’s work, including tapestry designs for Chichester Cathedral and his other designs for churches and cathedrals. The letters also discuss the designs he is producing for Merchant, including a cover drawing for Merchant and Hoddinott’s oratorio ‘The Tree of Life’
1976-1991, plus undated and miscellaneous papers: These letters praise Merchant’s latest books and discussing his own work. The later letters are from Myfanwy Piper, sent as John Piper’s health declined. The file also includes an obituary for Piper
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Number 1 of 6 at this Level
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