Romany Collection

Description

Archive and print items referencing the history, culture and representation of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma in the UK, Europe and worldwide.


Consists of three sub-collections;

1) Romany 1: The collection of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe as per the contents of the “University of Leeds Romany Catalogue” (published 1962).

2) Romany 2: Additions to the above as deposited with or purchased by the University post 1962

3) All print items deposited pre and post 1962 as part of the above.

Sub-collections listed individually.


Subjects include; annual horse fairs (Appleby, Epsom Derby); dance; music; religion; Romany languages/dialect and laws concerning Gypsies, Traveller and Roma.

Provenance

The Romany Collection began with the deposit of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe’s (DUR) 'Gypsy'/Romany Library in 1950. This included a collection of material (manuscripts, artwork, papers and cuttings) as well as her private collection of books from her from her home in Temple Sowerby Manor.

Part of the wider Brotherton Collection, (of which DUR was already Patron and Honorary Consultant), it became known as the "Romany Collection."


In1954 she made an endowment for the continued development of the collection. The University awarded her the title of Honorary Curator and in this role DUR continued to play an active role in advising the University on purchases and promoting the collection.



DUR later funded the Brotherton Library's 1962 publication of a printed ‘Catalogue of the Romany Collection.’ It was compiled by the then Sub-Librarian in charge of the Brotherton Collection, Mr David I. Masson with the assistance of Dora Yates of the Gypsy Lore Society - as honorary consultant. Generally the original deposit and many items bought/donated upto c.1962 were included in this printed catalogue [each were given a numbered reference that was used to identify items until 2016. These original references are now listed under, "alternative references."]



Collectively this material became known as 'Romany 1' (BC MS Rom 1).


Material donated after 1962 (and not listed in the published Catalogue of the Romany Collection) became known as 'Romany 2' (BC MS Rom 2).

Print material from both periods (both donated by DUR and donated/purchased from others) were historically catalogued as a separate collection together under the shelf mark BC Rom.


Catalogue created as part of the, "Collectors & Activist" Project, (with support from the National Cataloguing Grants Programme 2016/17).

System of arrangement

The distinction between Romany 1 and Romany 2 has been maintained with them both forming sub-collections of the Romany Collection. Print material collection was also made the 3rd sub-collection of the Romany Collection.

Access and usage

Reproduction

Access

This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.

The catalogue titles or descriptions in this collection may contain terminology and phrases that would now be considered unacceptable. Where present these original terms continue to be included to preserve historical accuracy and provide social and historical context.

View the Cultural Collections sensitivity policy

Notes on terminology and spellings

 

Please note that there may be differences in the terms used to describe the particular communities represented in this collection, many of which have changed over time and may continue to change.

 

At the time this catalogue was created there are many definitions that identify different cultural and ethnic groups with their varied histories, traditions and associations with a travelling life.

 

These can include but are not limited to  those that have been recognised in UK law as ethnic groups; English and Welsh (Romany) Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers; and non-ethnic groups that consider themselves distinct even if these have not been recognised in UK law, e.g. New Travellers, Showmen and Bargees. Outside of the UK 'Gypsy' may also be considered offensive  and ‘Roma’ is often used instead as the universally preferred term although this term also represents a wide range of distinct groups, (e.g. Sinti, Manouche).

 

It is our intention to respectfully and (where possible) accurately refer to these different communities in the catalogue. For this reason we ask you to note the following with regards to the descriptions in this catalogue that have been based on these current definitions:

 

1)  As many of these definitions have only come into being since the collection was created/1st catalogued, please be aware that original descriptions may not accurately reflect the group to which it refers, (e.g. the word 'Gypsy,' may have been used to describe those now recognised as Irish Travellers/Roma).  Therefore it is worth searching under various terms, e.g. 'Romany' and 'Traveller,' to broaden the scope of search results as well as using the alternative historical spellings, 'Gipsy,' 'Gipsie,' or ‘Romani.’

2) Where no original description exists and it is not possible to properly identify a distinct group they will be described as "Gypsy Traveller" (within UK setting), "Roma" for those living/recently originating outside the UK or "Gypsy, Traveller, Roma " for origin/locations unknown. References to any non - ethnic groups will similarly be capitalised to respectfully acknowledge all groups.

Users are advised that the content in this collection may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.

Some parts of this collection are in copyright. Photocopies or digital images of the material in copyright can be supplied for private study purposes only. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder’s permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.

Related subjects / tags

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