| Description | This small series is comprised of Dorothy Elmhirst's records relating to the founding and administration of Dartington Hall School. It includes her correspondence with early School staff and educational advisors. The early period of the School is documented by extensive personal correspondence between Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst, Wyatt Rawson, and Marjorie Wise (see box 2). Rawson's effusive correspondence with both Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst is highly personal but mentions his involvement in the New Education Fellowship. Organisational records include reports from early School staff, advisors, and guest teachers such as H N Brailsford, J V (Vic) Elmhirst, Eduard Lindeman, and Ruth Morgan. Additionally there are records relating to student projects on the estate, and a journal including Dorothy's notes about school staff. Printed records include copies of the first prospectus, and the manifesto 'Outline of an Educational Experiment' (both 1926). There are also School prospectuses dating from 1946 through 1965. In 1931, W B Curry was hired as headmaster. The series therefore includes sporadic correspondence (c1930-1962) between Curry and Dorothy Elmhirst. Also included are some early records of the Education Committee including minutes. Alphabetical correspondence includes letters to and from school staff, parents, prospective parents, and education theorists including A S Neill. Considerable material pertains to child psychology. Teacher Training Department records include reports by Margaret Isherwood. There are also headmaster search records and subsequent correspondence (1956-1967) with Curry's successors, Hu and Lois Child. Occasional letters found in this series include those from Frances Cornford and Gerald Heard. |