Gert von Gontard Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-MS-ms121

Staff Only

Gert von Gontard’s Papers are part of a larger collection given to Washington University in 1980 by his widow, Hildegard. The collection includes von Gontard’s extensive book collection and is highlighted by his collection of over 1300 books, manuscripts, and memorabilia relating to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Also, present is a file of letters from von Gontard’s colleagues in the literary and arts communities.

Dates

1775-1974

Creator

Gontard, Gert von, 1906-1979 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open

Conditions Governing Use

Users of the collection must read and agree to abide by the rules and procedures set forth in the Materials Use Policies.

Providing access to materials does not constitute permission to publish or otherwise authorize use. All publication not covered by fair use or other exceptions is restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder, which may or may not be Washington University.

If you wish to publish or license Special Collections materials, please contact Special Collections to inquire about copyright status at (314) 935-5495 or spec@wumail.wustl.edu. (Publish means quotation in whole or in part in seminar or term papers, theses or dissertations, journal articles, monographs, books, digital forms, photographs, images, dramatic presentations, transcriptions, or any other form prepared for a limited or general public.)

Extent

9.00 boxes

Additional Description

Biographical Information

Gert von Gontard (1906-1979) was a book collector, patron of the arts, and publisher of the 1930s avant-garde literary and arts magazine Neue Revue, whose strong anti-Nazi policy expressed in cartoons, articles, and poetry, put him on the Nazis’ “death list” in 1933. Forced to flee his native Germany during World War II, he devoted his life to what he described as "the holy mission of art, the overcoming of international prejudice." He became an active member of the community of expatriate German artists and literary figures. He was particularly active in developing theatrical projects and, with the important producer-director Max Reinhardt, co-founded The Workshop, a Los Angeles theatrical academy. Upon moving to New York, von Gontard became an active member of that city’s theatrical community, notably through his efforts at bringing German theatre groups to New York.