Glass Lantern Slide Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials and/or to request reproduction or publication use.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Glass Lantern Collection, Ms2019-040, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.4 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Abstract:
This collection consists of a set of glass lantern slides of architectural buildings and elements from around the world, especially Britain, France, German, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and a number of ancient civiliations, including Etruscan, Roman, Egyptian, and Persian. This also includes a set of lantern slides that were simply label "Gaudet," followed by a number.
Language:
The majority of the lantern slides are labeled in English, but some materials are labeled in French, German, or Italian.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Glass Lantern Collection, Ms2019-040, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a set of glass lantern slides of architectural buildings and elements from around the world, especially Britain, France, German, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and a number of ancient civiliations, including Etruscan, Roman, Egyptian, and Persian. This also includes a set of lantern slides that were simply label "Guadet," followed by a number.

Acquisition information:
The glass lantern slides in this collection were found in a box when materials were being moved out of a location in Special Collections in 2009. It is unknown where they came from, though their content suggests they may have been teaching tools for a faculty member or a collection of images for research.
Appraisal information:

About two dozen slides were found to be damaged beyond use or repair during processing and they were removed from the collection.

Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the glass lantern slides was completed in September 2019.

Arrangement:

Glass lantern slides were organized by country of origin of the subject (building or architectural element), based on the identifying labels. Slides were individually housed and arranged in alphabetical order by country. The series of slides labeled "Guadet" are at the end of the collection in numerical order.

Physical / technical requirements:

The lantern slides may be viewed on their own, but they may be viewed more easily with the use of a light box. Special Collections and University Archives can provide a light box upon request.