Our experience at the special collections division of the J.P. Morgan Library, provided me the rare opportunity to experience the material culture of prominent writers and composers working in and around Washington Square Park. Dr. Declan Kiely explained the historical significance of the library’s holdings and its preeminent position as a place that enlightens scholars and up and coming writers. Researchers can utilize the library’s vast and rare holdings to glean intimate facts about inspirational figures in literary history, as well as explore the actual texts and visual culture of their creations. Dr. Kiely displayed many original manuscripts of legendary writers such as Henry James, e e cummings, Edgar Allen Poe and Edith Wharton. He also passed around the original correspondence of these authors who frequently wrote to each other for inspiration, and to compare insight on style and content of each others work. It was wonderful to explore the visual aspects of Mr. Morgan’s collection, many of which incorporated gold ink gilding, intricate marbelized pattern paper and fine parchment and penmanship. Mr. Morgan's immense holdings range from Egyptian art to Renaissance paintings and Chinese porcelain. The largest portion of Mr. Morgan’s library is made up of illuminated, literary and historical manuscripts. More recently, Mr. Morgan collected manuscripts and printed materials significant to American history. Dr. Kiely extrapolated on the significance and complexity of acquiring objects for the collection, and he spoke pointedly about the process of establishing provenance in addition to authenticating objects and establishing their rights of sale. Our trip to the Morgan Library provided invaluable insight into collecting, curating and studying historical documents of great literary significance in and around Washington Square Park.
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