DOROTHY WHITNEY ELMHIRST PAPERS

RefNo: DWE
Extent: 97 boxes
Dates: 1914-2003
Description: Dorothy Elmhirst's papers include private and Trust letters, legal and financial papers, and journals, theatre notes, and other writings. As a whole, the collection provides personal insight into an extraordinary twentieth century life. Born to privilege, Dorothy maintained friendships with many actors and artists, writers, politicians, scientists and other intellectuals, who were prominent in England and America in the first half of the century. She was also a friend and benefactor of many hundreds of other individuals from all walks of life. Dorothy Elmhirst had considerable influence, and an extensive social circle, which enabled her to make Dartington Hall a refuge for the development of progressive thought, contemporary dance and theatre, music, and modern art.

A confirmed pacificist in the 1930s, during World War II, Dorothy lectured to audiences in England about America, and toured more than 80 American cities speaking about Britain, all in support of the war effort. Her American interests included four national magazines, Antiques, ASIA, Theatre Arts, and The New Republic which she co-founded in 1914.