Scope and Contents
This collection contains watercolors, photographs, notes, correspondence, and reprints pertaining to Allen’s interest in mycology. The collection spans 1902-1925. There are eight boxes of original watercolor illustrations of fungi, an index of the watercolors, a box of notes describing fungi, primarily the genera Lactarius and Russula, photographs of fungi, reprints of articles about Russula, and one letter from Edward Thompson Harper.
Watercolors are stamped with a unique number. Many illustrations are matted which was probably done after the collection was acquired. Many of the plates contain pencil notes. Pencil notes are by Allen as well as other hands. Corrected scientific names and other information added by library staff appears in square brackets in the finding aid.
Dates
- Creation: 1902-1925
Creator
- Allen, Lizzie Churchill, 1885-1956 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is available by appointment for research. Researchers must register and provide one form of valid photo identification. Please contact botref@oeb.harvard.edu for additional information.
Conditions Governing Use
These illustrations may be under copyright.
Extent
2.3 linear feet (9 flat boxes) ; plates 29 x 36 cm.Biography
Lizzie Churchill Allen was born March 31, 1885 in Westport, Massachusetts, to Asa Bodfish and Emma L. Allen (née Manchester). She was an amateur mycologist and an active member of the Boston Mycological Club. Allen never married and lived with her parents in Westport. She died on July 29, 1956, in Bedford, Massachusetts, and is buried at the Westport Point Cemetery.
Series Description
The collection is divided into two series. Series I - Watercolors. Eight boxes of watercolors of fungi arranged alphabetically by Latin name. Series II - Notes. This series contains notes, keys, indexes, correspondence, and photographs of fungi.
Provenance
The provenance of this collection is unknown.
Digitization note
Harvard's Imaging Services department digitized this collection as part of the "Original botanical illustrations of the Botany Libraries" project.
Processing Information
Processed by Lisa DeCesare, June 1998. Rehoused by Danielle Castronovo, November 2018.
Topical
Creator
- Allen, Lizzie Churchill, 1885-1956 (Person)
- Title
- Allen, Lizzie Churchill, 1885-1956. Lizzie Churchill Allen watercolors of fungi, 1915-1921: A Guide.
- Status
- completed
- Author
- Botany Libraries, Farlow Reference Library of Cryptogamic Botany, Harvard University.
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- eng
- EAD ID
- far00007
Repository Details
Part of the Botany Libraries, Farlow Reference Library of Cryptogamic Botany, Harvard University Repository
The Harvard University Herbaria houses five research libraries that are managed collectively as the Botany Libraries. The Farlow Reference Library of Cryptogamic Botany specializes in organisms that reproduce by spores, without flowers or seeds. The Archives of the Farlow Herbarium of Cryptogamic Botany houses unique resources including personal papers, institutional records, field notes and plant lists, expedition records, photographs, original artwork, and objects from faculty, curators, staff, and affiliates of the Farlow Herbarium.
Harvard University Herbaria
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botref@oeb.harvard.edu