Original consignment received 1989, 1814-1979

Component identifier:

Class MS 7887

Content Summary:

The Watson Papers form a large collection covering an exceptionally long period and including an unusual variety of materials. The bulk of the collection comprises Watson's own papers and they document most phases of his life, from his early days as a student and medical practitioner to his long career as a historian, publicist and editor of Historical Records of Australia. In addition, there are important papers of his father, the politician James Watson, and of other forebears of Watson, in many cases annotated, arranged and bound by Watson. Finally, there are papers relating to Watson's life and writings which were assembled by Pauline Watson in the 35 years after his death.

The papers include family, business, political and official correspondence, manuscripts, research material, essays, cutting books, certificates, legal documents, printed items, invitations and photographs. There are also many books from Watson's library and an unusual array of objects, mostly associated with James Watson, including a Treasury despatch box, travelling desk, two pairs of spectacles, badges, medals and a volume of New South Wales duty stamps.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The original consignment of Papers of Frederick Watson were purchased from his daughter Pauline Watson in 1989. Further papers were donated by his granddaughter, Patricia Ritter, in 2018.

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