PHILLIPS, J. MSS
The Phillips, J. mss., ca. 1951-2005, consist of the diaries, photographs, ephemera, scrapbooks and correspondence of John Phillips. An American from New York City, Phillips first traveled to Europe in 1951, a seven month sojourn, to explore its history and art. He received an M.A. in 18th century English Literature from Duke University and then worked as a Research Assistant at Yale University in The Lewis Walpole Library. Following a teaching appointment to the staff of Avon Old Farms, he returned to Europe in 1955, to teach English at the Lycée de Laval followed by a move to Florence in 1958. In 1960, he was introduced to Violet Trefusis by Lord Wharton. Subsequently, he became her companion, literary executor and at her death, inherited her medieval tower residence, St. Loup de Naud.
Acquired: 2004, 2012
Collection size: 1,500 items
NOTE: Access to this collection requires advance notice. Please contact the Curator of Manuscripts for additional information.