Shevchenkiana of the British Library

Abstract

The aim of the article is an analysis of collection devoted to Taras Shevchenko at the British Library. Foremost is the digitized collection "Saving the original lifetime archive of the well-known Ukrainian poet, artist and thinker, T. H. Shevchenko", which appeared due to a joint project of the Endangered Archives Programme (administered by the British Library) and the Taras Shevchenko National Museum.The methodology is based on the use of both general research (historical, comparative) and special research methods: bibliographic, historico-bibliographical. Research novelty. The digitized collection (a total of 60 000 images) is described for the first time. It includes not only editions of the poet’s works but also literary and artistic journals and almanacs which published his poetry ("Lastovka", 1841; "Molodyk", 1843; "Khata", 1860; "Osnova", 1861-1862). Special attention is paid to the autographs of Taras Shevchenko. One of described autographs (dedication to V. Orlovs’ky) is not mentioned even in the Complete Collection of poet’s works. Conclusions. Shevchenkiana of the British Library is an important source for studying the work of Taras Shevchenko and acquaintance with his era. It is BB where the first volume of a very rare "Kobzar" edition of 1881, published by M. Drahomanov in Geneva, is preserved, as well as some lifetime and other editionsof the poet’s works. It also includes the literature about him, publications of his timeas well as archival materials. The priority of the Endangered Archives Programmeis the preservation of cultural heritage and cultural diversity, ensuring open access to knowledge. Due to this Programme a collection of publications and archival materials related to the name of Taras Shevchenko was digitized. Digitizing of publications, especially rare ones, made them open to the wide public all over the world (https://eap.bl.uk/project/EAP657). We have to note that the website of the Taras Shevchenko National Museum does not yet provide this resource, created by joint efforts. The described project is a testimony and a result of cooperation between leading cultural institutions of Ukraine and Great Britain which will continue to develop.

Keywords

• british library, digital shevchenkiana, ukrainian-british cultural and educational projects.