Metzdorf Victoriana collection

Collection

Identifier: D.62

Staff Only

Biographical/Historical note

The collection was compiled by Robert Frederic Metzdorf (1912-1975), University of Rochester alumnus, (BA '33, MA '35, Ph.D. '39) curator of the Rush Rhees Library Treasure Room, member of the English faculty, University trustee and a director of the Parke-Bernet Galleries. His stated intention in organizing this material was "to secure, somehow, elements which would capture the personality of [Queen Victoria] ... and to come closer to the personality of a fascinating historical figure." (University of Rochester Library Bulletin, Vol. 27, no. 1, Winter 1971-72. Metzdorf, Robert F., Victoria and her circle, p. 30)

Scope and Contents note

The Collection consists of correspondence written by Victoria and members of her family and circle; documents and warrants signed by the Queen and her ministers; printed ephemera, including those related to coronations and funerals, menus, programs, souvenir booklets, broadsides and sheet music; portraits; coins and medals, journals, sketch books, photograph albums and textiles.

Creator

Metzdorf, Robert F. (Robert Frederic), 1912- (Collector, Person)

Dates

Creation: circa 1810-1975

Language of Materials

English

Extent

28 box(es) (5 boxes, 4 flatboxes, 16 bound volumes, 3 framed pictures)

Restrictions on Access

The Metzdorf Victoriana Collection is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Restrictions on Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

The foundation of the collection was the gift of the Robert F. Metzdorf Estate, March 1975 with an additional gift from A.D. Wainwright in 1976. Additional purchases have been made in memory of Robert F. Metzdorf.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Metzdorf Victoriana Collection, D.62, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester