Gloucestershire Archives and Exeter University project to catalogue unpublished manuscripts and poems by F.W. Harvey
Following the successful launch of the F.W. Harvey papers at Gloucestershire Archives on 8th November 2013, the following was printed in The Citizen newspaper:
Harvey’s papers available for the first time
THOUSANDS of previously unpublished manuscripts and poems by one of the county’s best known authors are now on display at Gloucestershire Archives. Born in Hartpury and educated at The King’s School, FW Harvey won huge acclaim for his work documenting his First World War experiences. Dubbed the Laureate of Gloucestershire, his work has been unveiled for the first time at the Alvin Street archives. Months of research have helped establish Harvey’s place in history by providing a full documentation of his wartime experiences, paired with analysis of his development as a poet. The exhibition is focusing on his experience as a prisoner of war.
Harvey family deposits papers with Gloucestershire Archives
Julie Courtenay, head of collections at Gloucestershire Archives, said: “We have been running the project to document the collection as FW Harvey is such an important figure for Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean in particular. “The project is centred on personal papers of poet FW Harvey, which were recently discovered by his family and placed on permanent loan at the Gloucestershire Archives to be preserved, catalogued and researched by University of Exeter. These previously unstudied papers have revealed much exciting and formerly unknown information about Harvey’s life and works.” Following discussions between the Harvey family, the papers have been deposited on permanent loan, held in a collection. It cataloguing has proved a mammoth task for historians. Heather Forbes, county archaeologist, said: “It is so important that this resource is preserved for many other generations to enjoy. We are very grateful to the Harvey family for their help in making this happen. The exhibition is related to the Ivor Gurney project, another important county figure. It is great we have been able to build on that success. This archive will be put on view and preserved for the future. The introduction alone gives a great insight into the nature of the man.