| Collection | GB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections |
| Level | Fonds |
| Ref No | UNIVERSITY 591 |
| Title | University of Aberdeen: class photographs, academic portraits and student magazine editorial staff |
| Date | 1856 - current |
| Administrative History | The University shield is divided into four quarters: the arms of King's College are displayed in the top left corner; Marischal College is represented in the top right corner by the arms of George Keith, Earl Marischal, founder of the college in 1593; the bottom left portion of the shield shows the arms of Bishop William Elphinstone, founder of King's College in 1495; the arms of the City of Aberdeen are displayed in the bottom right corner.
The University's Latin motto, 'initium sapientiae timor domini', can be translated as: 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'. |
| Source | The photographs have been transferred to the care of Special Collections via various sources in previous years: from individual departments, Marischal Museum and from past students and staff. Where possible, the exact source of the photograph has been included. |
| Description | Collection of class photographs of the University of Aberdeen. The majority of the photographs are from the Arts, Divinity, Law, Medical, and Science faculties but there are also photographs of classes from other disciplines such as Agriculture.
This collection also includes portraits of prominent individuals connected with the University, including teaching staff and benefactors, and photographs of student bodies, including the editorial staff of publications such as 'Alma Mater' and 'Gaudie'. |
| Appraisal | This material has been appraised in line with normal procedures. |
| Accruals | There are many gaps in the collection and it is hoped that these will be filled over time. |
| Arrangement | MSU 591/1 Class photographs
MSU 591/2 Academic portraits
MSU 591/3 Student magazine editorial staff
MSU 591/4 Related Material |
| Access Status | Open |
| Access Conditions | The records are available subject to the signed acceptance of the Department's access conditions. |
| Copyright | Subject to the condition of the original, copies may be supplied for private research use only on receipt of a signed undertaking to comply with current copyright legislation. Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from the University Archivist and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. Where possible, assistance will be given in identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material. |
| Language | English |
| Physical Description | The condition of the photographs varies considerably. Many of the larger photographs have split and are very dirty. Some of the photographs are photocopies of originals and many of the academic portraits are photographic copies of portraits of individuals. |
| Related Material | MS 3071 Arts Class (1922-1925);
MS 3324 Science Class (1896-1898);
MS 3341 Arts Class (1925-1928);
MS 3455 Arts Class (1923-1926);
MS 3456/1 Arts Class (1913-1917);
MS 3456/2 Arts Class (1915-1919);
MS 3733/1-2 Arts Class (1913-1917), plus autographs.
The Students' Representative Council (S.R.C.) and Union Management Committee papers: 1906 - 1998 (MSU 301) and The University of Aberdeen Students' Charities Campaign papers: 1940s - 2000s (MSU 1073).
The Sports Union photographs include student administrative officers, individual clubs and also important events (MSU 1452). |
| Copies | A number of paper photocopies exist of specific photographs: this has been indicated in the description field. |