Donald Locke Papers Find Home at Emory University Archives
By Guyana Modern | Emory University Libraries
It is with great excitement to share that Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia has acquired, and recently made open for research, the papers of artist Donald Locke. This important accession by a university ensures the care of Locke’s legacy, and recognizes the vitality of Guyanese artistic production.
Detailing the contents of the papers, Emory Libraries shares that, “The collection consists of the papers of Donald Locke from 1953–2016. Material documents Locke’s professional life from his first educational degree in 1957 through the end of his career. The papers show Locke’s career versatility showcasing his own work as an artist, his writing and art criticism, and his work as a poet. Locke meticulously documented his career through copies of articles and other printed materials that feature his work. Subject files contain information about topics such as Guyana and other artists. Professional papers contain correspondence, certificates, degrees, and contracts. The printed material includes catalogs, books, magazines, and calendars collected by Locke and sometimes featuring his work. Writings consist of drafts of Locke’s catalogs and articles but also original drawings, unpublished manuscripts, and poetry. The correspondence gives insight into Locke’s professional collaboration with publishers, museums, and other artists. There are photographic media including prints, slides, negatives, and contact sheets present throughout the collection.”
