China (Ceramics)

Description

This series encompasses two letterboxes and numerous files of photographs, clippings, articles, correspondence, and notes on china (i.e., ceramics). The series designation "China" originates from Nina Fletcher Little's label on the letterboxes. The series contains research material on many different types of ceramics, as well as articles on the subject authored by Nina Fletcher Little. The many photographs in the collection are of the Littles' collection as well as other collections. Researchers interested in Nina Fletcher Little's research materials on ceramics may also want to consult the "Ceramics" subseries of the "Exhibition Catalogues, Pamphlets, and Other Publications" series. There is also some overlap with the Documentary Source Materials series, which includes some of Little's research papers on tea wares and flower containers.

Many of the photographs and papers in this series were originally contained in two letterboxes, one labeled "China Staffordshire Redware" and the other "China Exclusive of Staffordshire and Redware." Each box contained a stack of papers sorted in alphabetical dividers. The organizational efforts of Selina Fletcher Little were evident through her post-it note labels, paperclips, and edits made to the indices written on the front of each box. Selina Little also had created folders for some of the "Redware" papers.

While the papers were removed from the letterboxes in order to provide archival housing, their exact arrangement in those boxes has been preserved. Each letterbox is now represented by a subseries. The actual letterboxes, stored at the end of the collection, now contain only the alphabetical dividers, though they also feature handwritten indices and other notes written on the inside cover.

Lastly, many loose publications and files were found stored in a carton with the two letterboxes. These form the third subseries, "Loose Papers." This subseries includes numerous articles on ceramics by Nina Fletcher Little, as well as research on the China trade and other publications.