This collection, compiled by Robert G. Barr over a period of 50 years, was donated to the Alexander Turnbull Library in 1977. It consists of serial publications (with some ephemera and pamphlets) by amateur handcraft printers (non-professional printers) and amateur journalists.
Most of the works were printed between 1880 and 1975 in the United States, but there are some British and Australian items and a very few New Zealand specimens. Many of the bound works in the collection are signed and some are presentation copies.
There is a small group of works on 20th century boys' magazines and books, mostly concerned with boys' school stories (for example, Billy Bunter), and associated ephemera and periodicals.
The amateur journalism movement began in the United States in the 19th century among young people with printing presses. The owner of a press would start a small paper and circulate it among friends and neighbours, usually charging a small sum for a year's subscription. At first the founder wrote their own contributions, but this gradually expanded to include other amateur poets, story writers and essayists of all ages.
More about Turnbull Formed Collections
The Library’s Wellington building redevelopment
The Library building in Wellington is closed for redevelopment, and due to reopen in early 2012. During the relocation period, some collections will be available in two temporary locations: Archives New Zealand and a reading room at 77 Thorndon Quay, Wellington.
More about collection access through the Wellington building redevelopment period
Access items in this collection
Most original items in this collection are now unavailable until early 2012.
You may be able to source copies of materials in this collection through other libraries. Our staff can assist you with this.
Some original materials will be available through the Client-Held Collection at Archives New Zealand from 25 February 2010. For more information, contact the Library, or the Curator, Special Printed Collections by phone or email.
The items in the Barr Collection are not listed on the Library’s online catalogue. A finding aid for the collection has been created, which lists the titles of serials, monographs, bundles (bound volumes containing various titles), and ephemera. You can use this finding aid to identify items in which you are interested.
Download the Barr Collection finding aid
More about registering and requesting
For more information, contact the Turnbull Library Research Centre, or the Curator, Special Printed Collections by phone or email.
Get copies from items in this collection
As this collection is currently unavailable, no copies can be made.
More about copyright and usage
Get help
We can answer your enquiries in person, by letter, phone or email. For assistance with using the Turnbull Formed Collections contact the Curator, Special Printed Collections.
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