Vivien Noakes/Edward Lear Research Collection

Somerville alumna Vivien Noakes was a world authority on Edward Lear and over many years built up an impressive research collection covering his life and works. 

The collection includes copies of many of Lear’s letters including some that have been subsequently lost or gone into private collections. This recent acquisition is undergoing work to review, curate and catalogue the papers and to ensure that all items are held with the permission of owners and copyright holders. We have not therefore, provided a finding aid. However, please contact the archivist if you would like to know more about this collection.