Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 731

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.8 linear feet (2 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Octave Delepierre papers, 1835-1879, Ms. Coll. 731, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1835-1879 (inclusive)

Creator:

Delepierre, Octave

Form:

extracts (partial documents), Translations (documents), Writings (documents), and Correspondence

Abstract:

Octave Delepierre (1802-1879), an author, bibliophile, antiquary and diplomat, was named the archivist of "Occidental Flanders" after graduating from law school, a position he held until he was appointed Belgian secretary of legation and Belgian consul in London. He served in those posts until 1877. The collection consists of correspondence, notes, writings (both published and manuscript), translations, and sketches by Delepierre and reflects his research and interests in history, ancient literature, national bibliography, and archaeology.

Joseph Octave Delepierre (1802-1879) was born in Bruges, Belgium in an upper-middle class family. He attended the University of Ghent, graduated with a law degree and became the archivist of West Flanders, a province of Belgium. His published works and collection of books and antiques quickly earned him a reputation as an intellectual leader and attracted important visitors. One such important individual, Sylvain Van de Weyer, encouraged Delepierre to move to London in 1843; and in 1849, Van de Weyer appointed him secretary of legation, a position which he held for thirty-five years. He also served as Belgian consul in London. There he published some of his most important works including an account of early French farces in the British Museum; "Macaronéana" and "Macaronéana Andra;" a history of Flemish literature; and a supplement to Querard's "Supercheries Littéraires."

Octave Delepierre also managed a very active social life. While in London, he held Sunday evening receptions which were attended by well-known artistic men and women. He was married twice, was a member of the Philobiblon Society (serving as an honorary secretary), a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, and a member of many other English, Belgian and French societies, all the time publishing both articles for those societies as well as works for greater readership.

This collection consists of correspondence and writings in the form of notes, clippings, reviews, articles and verses which relate to Delepierre's research on a range of subjects, including history, ancient literature, national bibliography, and archaeology. The correspondence is arranged alphabetically by author of the letter. The writings include both original writings by Octave Delepierre and extracts and notes made by Delepierre. The writings are arranged alphabetically by title of the work; and when the author is known, it is included in the folder title.

Most material is in English, but the poems frequently have lines or phrases in Latin, French, German or Greek.