The Larmour slide library

René Hackstetter, Larmour Librarian, reported to the Committee on 7 June 1989 on the state of the Society's slide collection, and transcribed Dr. Ralph K. Larmour's notebook of leathercraft slides so that the holdings could be searched. What follows is his report.

Report of the Committee Meeting June 7,1989.

1) Librarians Report November 24/1989 2) List of the Slide Library.

This second report is a listing of the contents of that portion of the Larmour Library in slide format. Dr.Larmour, in his foresight, saw the necessity of cataloging the work of leather artisans. This effort began in 1951-52 and continued, in a consistent manner until approximately 1964.

What has been created is a visual archive of the first foundation - the establishment of a distinct society and competition, with Annual meetings and juried Events. Standards are established and this important visual record is both an inspiration and a benchmark. The appended list is the transcribed notebook entitled: "EX LIBRTS" ...R.K. Larmour. From the library of Ralph Larmour, a small four by six inch, black, handwritten record of the slides he had collected in his travels. There are fourteen pages, written on both sides and not always decipherable. In the case where the is uncertainty about the word the * marks the discrepancy. If one wishes to check spelling against the notebook, this can be done.

In typing this list we are better able to consult the holdings. It is the aim of the list to clarify and thereby make the work of study more ordered. By turning this rich soil we help it bear more fruit and through this husbandry, the Society grows.

The challenge now lies in linking this rich archive to the present requirements of the Society. There are a number of directions, one being to fill the large gaps between 1964 and the present. This was started, but requires more attention. There has been no subsequent cataloging, only fitful gathering. Secondly, the slide library serves another important function, that of Publicity. These slides demonstrate what the Society is about and should be shown often and regularly.

With this reference tool, the list we are able to scan the holdings and formulate themes from which programmes and presentations can be created, In closing I would like to thank all those who have kept the slides in good order, especially Muriel McKnight, who has patiently waited for the results, to Ruth Haig, who has diplomatically interceded on my behalf and finally to all the previous librarians for their careful work.

Respectfully submitted, René Hackstetter.

René Hackstetter is recorded in the archive as Librarian of the Society in 1991–92. The bulletins print his name with and without its accent, and once doubled; all three forms are kept so that a search on any of them finds him.

The two pages of the Librarian’s Report are transcribed. The twenty-six pages of the slide list itself are reproduced as scans only: the handwriting and the surnames in it cannot yet be read to a standard worth publishing.