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George Robert Swain photographs and papers, circa 1870-1947 (majority within 1913-1947)

20 linear feet (in 34 boxes) — 1 oversize folder

University of Michigan staff photographer, 1913-1947 and commercial photographer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Collection includes some manuscript material but is primarily photographic prints and negatives made by Swain. Photo subjects include university buildings, faculty, and student activities, archeological expeditions to the Near East and, Ann Arbor scenes and landscapes form his travels in the western United States and Canada.

The papers and photographs of George R. Swain mainly document Swain's accomplishments as university photographer at the University of Michigan from 1913 to 1947. Researchers should note, however, that this is only a sampling of the photographer's work during these years. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan has an extensive collection of Swain's archaeological negatives and prints, and researchers interested in his full career will want to also look at the Kelsey collection. The Bentley Library material, while including several folders of fine photographs Swain made on his travels with Professor Frances Kelsey, for the most part documents Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan.

The collection at the Bentley Library consists of three series: Miscellaneous Papers; Photographers Log; and Photographs (prints; negatives; and lantern slides. Since the bulk of the collection is comprised of early twentieth century images of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, the materials will be of most interest to researchers searching for visual documentation of this part of the state in that time period. There are very few materials beyond the visual, although the lengthy captions attached to many overseas images and the essays, diaries, and letters, are extremely interesting and offer insight into how Swain approached his craft, both as a professional photographer and in his personal work.

Folder

Miscellaneous Papers

The collection begins with several files of Miscellaneous Papers. Although limited in quantity, this is where the researcher must turn for printed documentation on George Swain, since the remainder of materials are wholly photographic. Included are clippings, correspondence, genealogical notes, student writings, diaries, and some photographs. Of special note are several files regarding Swain's association with the Near East Research Center, University of Michigan. These files hold a striking collection of photographs and commentary regarding his travels with Professor Kelsey. Since extensive descriptive writings accompany the photographs, and in order to maintain their contextual association with related manuscript material, they are included as part of this series, rather than in the Photographs: Prints series.

Nearly all of the expedition images are carefully captioned, some with lengthy, typewritten text. Further context is evident in the numerous letters Swain wrote to his family while on a year-long excursion in 1924 and in a file containing reports, essays and research documents. One report, "Travels of Two Dodge Motors," November 5, 1925, for example, features the vehicles that were donated to the university and driven over "everything from the best of highways to the most abject apologies for roads and even over open country with no roads at all." A series of essays entitled "Notes and Comments of a Wolverine Abroad" describes in vivid language and acute detail several photographic journeys throughout Rome, Italy and Greece. These materials richly illustrate the artistic sensibility, sensitivity, and intelligence Swain brought to his work.

George Robert Swain photographs and papers, circa 1870-1947 (majority within 1913-1947)
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