Marjorie Pickthall
Introduction
Fonds:
#19
Title:
Marjorie Pickthall fonds
Biographical sketch
Marjorie Lowry Christie Pickthall (1883–1922) was a librarian, a writer and a poet. She was born in Gunnersby, Middlesex, England, the daughter of Arthur C. Pickthall and Helen Mallard. She died in Vancouver, British Columbia, following an operation.
Pickthall moved with her family to Southwater, Sussex, then to Toronto, Ontario in 1889. She was educated at St. Mildred’s College and Bishop Strachan School. She sold her first story, Two-ears to the Toronto Globe while still a student at Bishop Strachan School. She was employed as an assistant librarian at Victoria College Library, Toronto, from 1910 to 1912. She contributed to several periodicals.
Pickthall moved to England in 1912 and lived near Salisbury until 1919. She participated in World War I as an ambulance driver, a farm labourer and a library clerk. She wrote many short stories and poems during this period. After the war she returned to Toronto, then moved to Vancouver, where she continued to write.
Pickthall published over 200 short stories and approximately 100 poems along with numerous articles in journals such as Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s, and Scribner’s. She also contributed to young people’s magazines. Her publications include: Poetry: The Drift of Pinions (1913), Lamp of Poor Souls and other Poems (1916), The Woodcarver’s Wife and other Poems (1922), Little Songs (1925), and Complete Poems (1927); Short stories: Angels’ Shoes and other Stories (1923); Novels: Little Hearts (1916), and The Bridge (1922).
Custodial history
The custodial history is unknown.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of Marjorie Pickthall’s records pertaining to her activities as a poet and writer. The fonds includes correspondence, including correspondence with Helena Coleman (1908–22), and Pelham Edgar (1903–04); manuscripts including (annotated) poems, short stories and articles; personal material including photographs; artistic material by Pickthall including paintings and drawings; and other material.
Note(s)
Source of supplied title
Title based on contents of the fonds.
Extent
The fonds is stored in 4 boxes.
Immediate source of acquisition
Much of the fonds was acquired from Helena Coleman, Pelham Edgar, Lorne Pierce, Nina Gale and other persons at unknown dates. An essay by Dorothy Elizabeth Toye Long was acquired from D. Toye in 1964. A selection of drawings, letters and poems by Pickthall were removed from the manuscript collection of Helena Coleman and presented to Victoria University Library by May Glen in 1954. A book and some photographs were acquired from Mary M. Glen in 1969. Framed photographs were acquired from Lorne Pierce. Some photographs were acquired from Dr. G.I. Evans through Mrs. G.C. Andrew in 1981.
Language of material
English
Access conditions
Restrictions on access: No restrictions on access.
Terms governing use and reproduction
Part of the fonds is available on microfilm which researchers are requested to use unless an enquiry can be satisfied only by consulting original documents. For further information contact the Chief Librarian.
Finding aids
File list available.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
Access points
Provenance access point: Pickthall, Marjorie L.C. (Marjorie Lowry Christie), 1883–1922
Related resources
University of Calgary Library, Special Collections: PICKTHALL, MARJORIE L. C. (MARJORIE LOWRY CHRISTIE), 1883–1922. Letter to Mr. Cooper, Editor, Canadian Courier, 1909, May 6.
Walter Jackson McCrea Fonds at McMaster University Library contain Pickthall correspondence. Information about this collection is available online through Archeion, Ontario’s Archival Information Network.
Search The Gerritsen Collection: Women’s History Online, 1543–1945 for poetry by Marjorie Pickthall and articles about her, published in journals.
A Celebration of Women Writers from the University of Pennsylvania, “recognizes the contributions of women writers throughout history.”
Related exhibitions at Victoria University Library
Canadian heritage at Victoria University Library
Related Special Collections at Victoria University Library
Canadiana