Ron Shuttleworth Collection

Ron Shuttleworth,
41 Morningside, Coventry, CV5 6PD, England.
+44 (0)24 7667 6721, mumminguk@mail.com

This Collection aims to hold photocopies of everything significant that has been written about Folk Plays & related subjects. There is no attempt to be selective & everything which could be read by anyone is considered, good or bad.

Not specifically included are:

• Simple references to teams appearing, etc.
• Texts in general. Exceptions include Longsword & Robin Hood plays, chapbook texts, any with interesting features, & non-traditional, collated & written ones.

Besides folklorists, the subject has attracted writers from other disciplines such as English Studies, Theatre & Drama Studies, etc., & all these are included.

Photo courtesy of Andy Smith,
Green Man Morris website, Auckland, New Zealand

The Collection contains all published specialist books & booklets, together with ephemera & trivia, some video & audio tapes; also listings of other collections, of which some microfilm can be accessed. The copies are assembled loose into volumes by subject, & could thus save future researchers effort, time & money.

Broad categories are:

The special section for unpublished works- Theses, Papers, Dissertations, Essays, etc, is unique in its scope & presently contains more than 90 items.

At the last count the main sections contained over 4,000 separate items in 183 volumes. (A volume is 'full' at about 100 sheets) The Collection is being actively developed & expanded and an Access database provides bibliographic details unmatched anywhere.

I can now say that, to the best of my belief & within the stated parameters, this Collection holds more material than any other which is publicly accessible! If anyone can challenge this claim, or is following a like interest, I shall be delighted to hear from them as kindred spirits are few & we could probably collaborate to mutual advantage.

Access, including evenings & weekends, can be accorded to any serious enquirer by arrangement. Accommodation can often be provided. Relevant parts of the Collection are available, with the obsessed compiler, for related events on an 'expenses' basis.

Enquiries by post are accepted. Subject to copyright law, photocopies of much of the material can be supplied to members of Ring clubs & often to others. Donations of material will be received with gratitude & delight- & payment if required.

Chief Morris Ring Archivist: Chris Metherell BSc,
81 Kenton Rd, Gosforth, Newcastle on Tyne, NE3 4NL, England.
+44 (0)191 284 2438, chris@metherell.org.uk