friends newsletter spring 2018 Note from the Editor: Priscilla Barlow The contents of this issue reflect the We say goodbye and pay tribute to re- of Peter Davies and Johanna Green to Friends’ packed diary of activities and tiring committee members, Jean Ander- manage and organise events, is noted. changes over the months since summer. son and Freda Tuck and welcome our I am continuing to luxuriate in the Consequently we do not have as much new Convenor, David Baillie. We report advice and help of my assistant ed- space to devote to the more ‘magazine’ on Kathryn Lowe’s taking on the du- itor, Duncan Beaton and offer sin- type of article that we like to provide for ties of Membership Secretary and the cere thanks to him and to our de- your information and enjoyment. Nev- appointment of a graduate student as signer Gerry Cassidy at Raspberry ertheless familiar items are included her assistant. Another change, the for- Horse for his unfailing expertise. such as the Did you know about feature. mation of a subcommittee composed We wish all our Friends a happy 2018.

more than just recording Exits and our members and their subscriptions; she assisted with the financial work of entrances the organisation, liaising Our convenor: with our accountants and Jean Gilmour Anderson signing cheques, and was It is with considerable regret our main communicator we say goodbye to Jean with our members, Gilmour Anderson who for answering queries, noting the past year has served She has functioned not good luck in her continuing changes and troubleshooting on the committee as acting only as an invaluable link endeavours elsewhere – and payment problems. Freda’s convenor. Pressure of other with the Library staff but we hope still to see her at sensible record keeping was commitments has dictated also to staff on the wider our events when her other done with her habitual no her decision to resign this campus and beyond. In duties allow. nonsense approach and this post, one she has filled with the chair at meetings she Our membership Secretary: will make it easier for her good humour, grace and a has kept us under control, Freda Tuck successor, but she will be firmness of hand. ensuring we stuck to the Freda Tuck has retired from hard to replace. We thank Jean has guided us through agenda. The committee the post after five years. her on behalf of all the changes to our constitution has learned much from her Freda has been an excellent, Friends for her contribution. and has ensured that our experience of the formalities hard working and efficient We hope to see her at obligations as trustees of the of committee procedures. member of the Friends Friends events and we wish FRIENDS charity status are For this and everything else executive committee. her the very best in her understood and followed. we thank Jean and wish her She took on much future endeavours. Message to Friends from Acting Convener David Baillie Although a fairly new member previous 12 months and it is group determined to develop of the Committee, I am de- a pity that pressure of other FGUL as much as possible. lighted to have been elected commitments did not allow Hopefully, we will be able to the Acting Convenorship. her to continue. She will be a to offer Friends an interesting Firstly, I must pay tribute to hard act to follow. programme of talks and outings the excellent manner in which Secondly, I look forward in 2018. If anybody has any ideas Jean Anderson carried out the to working with the other in that regard, please contact me duties of this position in the Committee members, a keen on [email protected] Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter Page 2 Page 3 Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter A warm welcome to our new office-brearers Will the real Duncan Macrae Stand Up? n n n New Convenor: On the retirement Membership Secretary: On the Events organisation and On 26 October, following the 2017 AGM necessary to writing were described. of the acting convenor, Jean Anderson, retirement of Freda Tuck, committee management: In the past Dr Peter there was a very good attendance of Two methods of research were David Baillie was unanimously elected member Dr Kathryn Lowe agreed to Davies has most efficiently taken on members and friends to hear Priscilla identified: documentary and interviews. to take over the helm. He takes up take on the post. As Kathryn is a full this role virtually single handed. Now Barlow talk about her experiences while the post with a wealth of experience time academic it was agreed that Dr Johanna Green has been co- opted The locations for the documentary writing Wise Enough to Play the Fool, a behind him in the academic field and she should lighten the load with the on to what is now a subcommittee to research were discussed as well as citing biography of the actor Duncan Macrae in local government as well as being employment of a graduate student. share the demanding tasks involved the most invaluable documents. These well versed in committee procedures. Emily Nicolet accepted the position as in planning, publicising and managing (published John Donald 1995). were illustrated. We are in safe hands and offer David her assistant. Emily will carry out the talks, visits etc. After graduation, while researching The different types of interviews were congratulations. additional duties of minute secretary for a PhD in Medieval theatre, Priscilla listed: by letter and email, by telephone was appointed tutor in the Drama and in personExamples from each Department (now Theatre Film and category were described and illustrated. AGM Report Television Studies) at Glasgow University. The various methods of making contact PROFILE: 23 She abandoned the PhD for research The 2017 AGM was held on Tuesday Talks: The Erskine Hospital Centenary with subjects for interview were Siobhan Convery 24 October in the Library TalkLab. Project, Research Into Glasgow’s 19th on a bibliography of Scottish Theatre explained. The importance of face to FUNDING C. Dyeing Manuals, Thomas Hollis and Literature, funded by the British Academy. face interviews was stressed, particularly A proud Glaswegian, Siobhán was By Jean Anderson (Acting Convener) his Library of Liberty, A Hidden Gem: Following publication of the Macrae highlighting those with Gordon Jackson, delighted to join the Library team as Art and Mental Health. biography she researched the old Nicholas Parsons, Bill Paterson and Agreed: Part funding of the purchase Priscilla Barlow’sbiography of Assistant Director for Collections Strategy Visits: the University of Stirling Glasgow Theatres Royal. Publications Stanley Baxter. in April this year. Her connection with of Dr Johnson’s Dictionary, a fourth Duncan Macrae was published folio edition from 1773, which is now Archives and Special Collections: the include reviews for Shakespeare The vicissitudes of writing and the University goes back 30 years when in 1995 by John Donald catalogued and available for study Leighton Library in Dunblane: tour of Quarterly (published by the Folger publishing were interpolated with she began studying for her MA in French through Special Collections. the newly refurbished GUL. Library, Washington) and several entries and Classical Civilisation. She recalls her biography of Duncan Macrae. A brief personal feelings and reactions. The Agreed: to contribute £250 to the Later this year: Jim King of the Prison in the Dictionary of National Biography. favourite study space was in the upper background of the subject was included. book launch and the aftermath of David Murray Book Collecting Prize, Service will talk on prison libraries: a Priscilla currently edits our newsletter. Much of the talk was anecdotal as well publication were noted in some detail. open to GU students. An allowance concert by Russkaya Capella. Abstract as reflective and analytical. The talk ended with a video clip of a was also awarded to the winner to FINANCES The talk was a light hearted description The motivation for this project was Macrae performance of The Wee Cock choose a book for acquisition to By Dr Hamilton, Honorary Treasurer Special Collections. of the experience of writing the explained and the preliminary steps Sparra. The accounts are in good order. Jim Agreed: to a request for financial Hamilton of JM Taylor Ltd presented support from Archives and Special the Friends accounts for the year Collections to produce a printed ending 31 July 2017. Simon Quaile Prison Education: catalogue of the 15thC printed of Smith & Williamson described our books in the Library. FGUL agreed to investments as being moderately A Hard Cell contribute up to £13,000 towards total successful this year. He followed A small group of members gathered cost of £23,000. this with an illuminating talk on to hear Jim King’s fascinating and Proceeds from sales of The investments and the current climate informative talk on 7 November 2017. University of Glasgow Library: Friendly with reference to the trouble in Jim is Head of Head of Learning & Skills, Shelves continue to benefit the various parts of the world. Resolutions Scottish Prison Service. University. were passed approving the Statement His career has included working Annual income from the MacKenna of Accounts and appointing JM Taylor & with rehabilitation of alcohol and drug principles of the 2013 SPS Organisational principal themes of Engaging Learners; bequest continued to boost the GUL Co. as accountants for the year ahead. addicts, and an investigation of literacy Review with its vision of ‘Unlocking Strengthening Partnerships; Ensuring Staff Development & Training Fund. Votes of thanks were extended to We are pleased this year to be able to in prisons. He scripted a film at HMP Potential - Transforming Lives’. This High Quality Learning Opportunities; floor of the ‘Round Reading Room’, Caroline O’Neill and Jim Hamilton of return funds for reinvestment against Cornton Vale with the BBC. His film, recognises the diversity of those taking Improving Our Capacity to Respond; surrounded by shelves of the Loeb Classical JM Taylor, our accountants; to Simon part in learning in prison, their different Ensuring clear Evidence of Success. future expenditure. Quaile of Smith & Williamson for Barlinnie’s Got Talent won a Platinum at Library. In fact it was at the University backgrounds, skills mix and contrasting We said goodbye and thanked looking after our investments; to all the UK national Koestler Art in Prisons This collaborative approach to Archives that she enjoyed her first foray aspirations for future development. three committee members; Convenor the executive committee, especially awards. His degrees include Social educational development has enabled into the world of archives, setting her on Graeme Smith, University Archivist Science, (BA, GU) Adult education, (MSc, Such diversity and complexity is us to access and utilise the particular a career path that took her to Liverpool in Honorary Secretary Peter Davies, the and Depute Librarian Lesley Richmond, Newsletter editor Priscilla Barlow GU) Literacy and Language Studies, often complicated by a significant strengths of partners working within 1994 to complete her Masters in Archive and Sheila Craik. We are pleased to and treasurer Fiona Hamilton, for all (MA, Lancaster U), Criminology (MSt, cohort of disaffected learners with the university and college sectors to Administration. After that Siobhán spent welcome new committee members their work over the year. Also thanked Cambridge U). poor previous educational experiences, supplement our core learning services seven years as an archivist in Aberdeen David Baillie, Dr Fiona Hamilton, were Susan Ashworth, the University lack of aspiration, apathy and negative and provide innovative and creative City Archives before joining the University Dr Ramona Fotiade and ex officio, Abstract Librarian, and Library staff, with a In line with Scottish Government views towards learning. Accordingly, we solutions for engagement of Aberdeen in 2003. There she was University Librarian Susan Ashworth. special mention of Joyce Fyfe, and last strategic intentions as detailed in ‘Adult need to continue to develop innovative This more liberal educational approach fortunate, as Head of Special Collections, to Presentations of gifts were made to but not least to all of our Friends for and creative ways of breaking down the Membership Secretary, Freda Tuck Learning in Scotland: Statement of has also been enriched by our university be involved in the planning and building of their continuing support. pre-conceived barriers and harnessing and acting Convenor Jean Anderson, Ambition’ (2014) the Scottish Prison partners who continue to supplement a wonderful new University Library, which The meeting was followed by a short the strengths and latent talent of who were stepping down. Service (SPS) has embraced a forward our provision through introductory incorporated state-of-the-art facilities for interlude with wine and canapés and individuals, promoting critical thinking the University’s historic collections. Away There being no new nominations looking approach to educational talks and peer support initiatives. These an excellent talk by Priscilla Barlow and self-reflection. approaches are continuing to attract from work Siobhán provides a taxi service for committee members, the existing about her experiences while writing engagement that is: lifelong, life-wide In partnership with our learning widespread interest and have led to to two busy teenagers and enjoys as many officers are elected for the next year. a biography of Duncan Macrae. The and learner-centred. Our on-going long walks with her beloved border collie REPORT ON THE YEAR’S EVENTS talk was well attended and we were commitment to a person-centred service providers Fife College and other a number of educational awards for as she can. AND FUTURE PLANNING particularly pleased to welcome the individual approach to engagement statutory and voluntary agencies, we our creative educational approach by Dr Peter Davies, Honorary Secretary well-known actor, John Cairney. dovetails with the underpinning have structured our approach across five European partners. Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter Page 4 Page 5 Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter Russkaya Capella Concert By Nora Gray and Methodius by Tchaikovsky On Thursday 7 December, several reminded us of the person who members of FGUL joined a large devised the Cyrillic alphabet in audience in the University Chapel an attempt to transcribe more to be entertained to a memorable accurately the Slavic tongue. musical performance given by Another piece, to words by Russkaya Capella. Lermontov, highlighted another This chamber choir is the only of the poet’s links with Scotland; one in Scotland specialising in his original family name being unaccompanied – mostly liturgical Learmonth. – choral music. Thursday’s Do Not Weep, a poem set to performance, directed by Stuart music by Tcherepnin, was written Campbell, was given to celebrate a to commemorate events during century of Russian teaching in the the Russian/Japanese war. Its elegy University of Glasgow. for the fallen became very popular The concert received financial again during the Revolution. support from the Friends, not only Russian sacred songs and carols, because of the connection with especially the carols, quite unlike teaching but also because Glasgow Western ones, are often connected has one of the most significant to the area in which they were collections of Slavic writing in first sung. Europe, comprising texts in The last item of the evening, Russian, Polish, Czech, Serbian and Troika, about the arrangement of Bulgarian, including many dating the three horse sledge, was the back to 1793. only one to be accompanied. Russkaya Capella itself Stuart Campbell played the represents a significant part of organ while his wife Svetlana recent history. The names of Zvereva conducted the excellent several of the singers reflect the choir, with Professor Graham fact that many choir members are Haire enthusiastically joining in on here as the result of the Russian the tambourine, bringing a very diaspora during the late 19th to enjoyable evening to a fitting close. early 20th century. In a short speech, Dr Andrea The first part of the programme Gullotta of the School of Modern was mainly given over to music Languages and Culture (Russian connected with the Orthodox section) thanked Stuart and the liturgy, the first three items choir and particularly highlighted representing music for particular FGUL’s generous contribution to feast days. the evening’s success. A hymn in honour of St Cyril l Pictures courtesy of German Aljabev

My Scottish waterfalls book collection Emily Nicolet Edward Cole, winner of the David Murray Book Collecting Prize, University of Glasgow 2017 Emily Nicolet is our new membership assistant and minutes secretary. I have been enthralled by waterfalls material with various main themes My collection does not have Emily is a PhD student at the University for as long as I can remember, and I and functions. any obvious finishing points, as of Glasgow, studying in the English also love books. I have regional guides, it would be almost impossible to Language and Linguistics Department. amass everything published about Combining these two passions, guidebooks for walking and other Her thesis project is a comparative I have built up a collection of books activities, and maps covering Scottish waterfalls. analysis of the decorated letters and and other material relating to areas with waterfalls. I also collect In future I would like to collect illustrations found in Old English Scottish waterfalls. pictures of waterfalls, especially accounts by early travellers around manuscripts. postcards. My collection started slowly Scotland, when waterfalls were star She is a graduate in English Language but gathered momentum when I In combination my collection attractions. Overall my collection (Edinburgh) and holds a Masters degree moved to Scotland in 2010. tells me what waterfalls there are brings me great pleasure, both in Medieval and Renaissance Studies There is a specific focus to my in Scotland, what they look like, through the books themselves, and (Glasgow). Emily originally comes from collection but there is very little how to reach them, and the natural the information they contain which California, but has fallen in love with literature specifically about Scottish and human history of different helps me to visit the wonderful Scotland. waterfalls, so I have collected waterfalls. places they depict. Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter Page 6 Page 7 Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter letter from the EDITOR Lesley Richmond is honoured Did you know about? Our Photographic and Conservation Units Dear All The former University Archivist and One of the aims of the recent Library request was made to the Friends of paper repairs using a wider variety of Deputy Director of the Library, Lesley Yes you are having a redevelopment of Levels 1 and 2 GUL and the sum of £63,332 was methods previously not employed. Richmond, has been presented with déja vu. You have seen was to create a Conservation and donated towards the acquisition of New specialist lighting now ensures a Distinguished Service award. It this appeal for ‘letters to Digitisation Suite at the back of Level 2, conservation equipment, so that the was presented at an event in the good colour matching for repairs the editor’ in more than making best use of the significantly upgrade could be carried out. University Chapel by the Archives and good viewing of objects and one issue of the FGUL improved space for conservation and Studio expansion allowed for and Records Association. their associated damage, reducing newsletter. digitisation activity. a separate paper store to keep The award was made to Lesley the potential for eye strain of the We would very much welcome and indeed The existing space where the papers flat and within more by ARA UK Vice-Chair, and University conservator working on material for value your opinions, your comments, your Photographic and Conservation units stable environmental control than of Stirling Archivist, Karl Magee. Karl intensive periods of time. criticism and even your praise. We often were located was very dingy and had previously. said: “I’m delighted to present Lesley The new custom built sink enables receive verbal comment on such items not been upgraded at all since the Clean, dirty, wet, dry processes, with this award which recognises paper to be aqueously cleaned in a as the Did You Know about feature, the Library was built in 1968. plus decontamination and outsize the great respect and admiration safe environment, with new flooring profiles, News from the library and general Due to restrictions on space, work areas, will now be clearly in which she is held by the archival able to tolerate wet treatment being comment on the layout and level of interest, access and equipment Conservation defined. Fixed furniture is being kept community.” • Lesley is presented with her award by but it would be so much nicer if this could staff found that they were often to a minimum, and book cleaning carried out. During the evening, there were University of Stirling Archivist Karl Magee be shared. We strive to make each issue unable to carry out the full range of workstations can be wheeled in. Thus the learning and teaching many plaudits for Lesley’s work, former BACS Surveying Officer, with informative and entertaining. Your input conservation interventions that they The new inbuilt light boxes open capabilities are enhanced, allowing especially her tireless efforts to Dr Alison Rosie, Registrar of the would most certainly enrich and improve should have been able to undertake, up the variety of work that can be space for volunteers, students and secure and preserve a great deal National Register of Archives for our endeavours, helping us to give you the given the importance of these done, from identification of paper other conservators to work in a more of the commercial and engineering Scotland noting that: “Lesley’s major kind of newsletter you would like. You have renowned University collections. A formats and watermarks, to specialist suitable and safer environment. been reticent till now but we look forward heritage of Glasgow and wider achievement has been in building to hearing from you soon. Ideas for articles Clydeside. on the work of the NRAS Surveys in and indeed short articles are welcome. Edwin Green of the Business securing the preservation of business From the Library Blogs Posted by Niki Russell on November 13, 2017 Archives Council said: “In the long records which might otherwise have You can contact us by email: Friends@lib. history of the BAC the recruitment of been lost.” gla.ac.uk by post: to Friends of Glasgow Lesley was one of our greatest pieces The award ceremony was also University Library c/o University of Glasgow of good fortune.” Her early years treated to a short video celebrating Library, Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QE, surveying collections in shipbuilding Lesley’s career, produced by (marked FAO Newsletter editor) and engineering works were fondly Communications and Public Affairs’ Priscilla and Duncan remembered by Alan Morrison, a Natasha Quinn.

• “Rogues and vagabonds” at Glasgow Police Court; the trial of Surgeon Edward Protchard,who murdered his wife and her mother; and a report on “Rothesay, the Sodomof Buteshire” adorn the front pages of these issues of The Detective Scandal, gossip and crime reporting in Victorian times I recently discovered a curious bound Glasgow, for the poisoning of his wife reviews, puzzles, poems and gossipy volume of a short-lived 19th Century and mother-in-law; and the notorious anecdotes on any number of subjects. journal in the Wylie Collection. case of the Sandyford murders in 1862. One of the regular contributors Beginning in April, 1885, The Detective, These cases are serialised over several known only as “The Tramp” provides Or Criminal and Historical Gazette, issues of the journal. scandalous undercover stories of life provided weekly representations The historical crimes section covered in Glasgow and surrounding areas of crime and police in Glasgow and such cases as Burke and Hare. during the mid-1880s such as “Queen’s criminal trials in the UK and abroad. Also included in the journal are Park: Is it a Nursery of Vice on Sunday Some of the more sensational stories of fiction (detective and Evenings?”; “Fast Life at Rothesay: Or, cases the journal covered under the otherwise) and regular features such as the Sodom of Buteshire”; and “A Night “Remarkable Trials” section were the reviews of new theatrical productions Among Glasgow Thieves”. 1885 trial of Dr. Edward Pritchard, the and a legal advice column for readers. The Detective cost one penny for 16 last person to be publicly executed in These are side-by-side with book action-packed pages! Friends of Glasgow University Library Newsletter Page 8 Mrs Jean Smith It is with sadness we have to report the passing of Mrs Jean Smith,wife Friends of Glasgow University Library Committee of our former Convenor,Graeme. Jean was a brave lady who bore her long illness with spirit and fortitude. She was one of FGUL’s most loyal supporters and graced so many of our activities. When volunteers Professor Sir Kenneth Calman Helen Durndell David Baillie from the membership were sought Honorary President, Honorary Vice President Convenor (acting) we could always rely on Jean’s Chancellor of the University help for anything from dispensing drinks at the talks to”stuffing’ the newsletters into envelopes. She will be so missed. We send our sincere condolences to Graeme and the family. On behalf of the Friends, the Dr Peter Davies Dr Fiona Hamilton committee has agreed to donate Hon. Secretary Treasurer £100 to the Beatson Cancer Charity

FOR YOUR DIARY Susan Ashworth Priscilla Barlow Duncan Beaton Tuesday 13 February: 7pm Head Librarian (ex officio) Newsletter Editor Editorial Assistant Talk Lab Library Level 3: Talk by Julie Gardham - Senior Librarian, Special Collections A heap of books on the floor? Transcribing the earliest Dr Ramona Fotiade Norah Gray catalogues of William Hunter’s Library Tuesday 27 March: 7pm Talk Lab Library Level 3: Talk by Andrew Dr Johanna Green Dr Kathryn Lowe Dr Helen Cargill Thompson (Andy) Beeby, Professor Talks and Events Membership Secretary of Chemistry at the University of Durham Emily Nicolet Jim Hamilton Shining Light on Medieval Manuscripts Asst to Membership Accountant at John M. Taylor & Co, (On recent developments in non- Secretary & MInutes Chartered Accoutants invasive techniques of pigment analysis). Friends of Glasgow University Library, n Other upcoming talk/events will be c/o University of Glasgow Library, Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QE notified to memberships by email/post Email: [email protected] | Website: www.gla.ac.uk/fgul when details are available. Guests are A Registered Scottish Charity No. SC006553 welcome. Snippets SUPPORT GUL ONLINE •Plans are in hand to arrange a guided older Scots. Available online from n The website TOTAL GIVING https:// visit to Pollok House library, the Edinburgh University Press and from www.totalgiving.co.uk/donate/ contents of which are not normally all good bookshops. available for public inspection. friends-of-glasgow-university-library • Graeme Smith, our former This is a quick and efficient method of • Scots Language Dictionaries chairman, has just completed a supporting the work of the Library by survey of theatres in Scottish towns. donation. Perhaps Friends may wish to announce the publication of their new join in and those who have Facebook, Concise Scots Dictionary. This second It is published on the Arthur Lloyd Twitter, blogs and other media groups edition is the result of thirty years’ website: www.arthurlloyd.co.uk might pass on the link and encourage research and has been revised and • The Friends were represented at the the good work. updated throughout to reflect modern recent funeral of the late Mrs Jean Scots usage, as well as coverage of Smith by Peter Davies, Priscilla Barlow

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