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Book of memorandums and commentaries
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Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6206
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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Dickinson was the grandson of British born American landscape painter and inventor Joshua Shaw (1776-1860). Dickinson lived in Philadelphia on Sansom Street near the theater district. He had a sister named Mary.
Leather bound volume comprising the diary entries of William Dickinson spanning the years from 1839 to 1841. Throughout the volume Dickinson recorded his attendance at art exhibitions, theatrical productions, lectures, and events in Philadelphia. There are several entries containing critiques of artists and their works at the exhibitions of the Artists and Amateurs Association and the Artists Fund Society. Dickinson discussed artists such as his grandfather Joshua Shaw, Thomas Sully, Rembrandt Peale, and John Neagle. In one entry Dickinson noted his purchase of a sketch by Neagle. He also mentioned some critiques he wrote regarding exhibitions were published in the Philadelphia American Sentinel. Dickinson attended plays at the Walnut Street Theater where he saw Edwin Forrest perform in Gladiator. He also attended concerts with his sister Mary at Musical Fund Hall. Three pages are dedicated to the "forger Eldrige". Dickinson described events in Philadelphia such as the funeral of Lieutenant Weems and a Fourth of July celebration. Dickinson mentioned taking flute lessons, drawing, and joining the Lafayette Literary Association. He also noted consultation work at the U.S. Mint. The diary is written on sixty-eight numbered, ruled pages at the beginning of the volume. The remainder is blank.
Sold by Ian Brabner Rare Americana (Wilmington, Delaware), 2017.
Subject
- Theater
- Art
- American diaries -- Male authors -- 19th century
- American diaries -- 19th century
- Manners and customs
- Music
Place
- Publisher
- University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts
- Finding Aid Author
- Donna Brandolisio
- Finding Aid Date
- August 2017
- Access Restrictions
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Access to this item is restricted.
- Use Restrictions
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Copyright restrictions may exist. For most library holdings, the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania do not hold copyright. It is the responsibility of the requester to seek permission from the holder of the copyright to reproduce material from the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts.