November 21, 2009

On September 18, 2009, in ceremonies at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, Dr. & Mrs. E. Conyers O’Bryan, Jr, presented their extensive collection of Churchill’s writings, books and an oil painting by Winston S. Churchill to the university’s Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Dr. & Mrs. O’Bryan of Florence, SC donated more than 80 volumes of Churchill’s writings, among which were several first editions of his books and an oil on canvas painting “The Garden at Wilton” by Churchill, circa 1935. Also in the collection is a portrait of Prime Minister Churchill in front of the official residence, Number 10 Downing Street, an Oscar Nemon bust of Churchill, five volumes from Winston Churchill’s personal library at Chartwell and other memorabilia.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of The Churchill Centre were Mr. Ken Childs, president of the Bernard Baruch Society, a chapter of The Churchill Centre, and Craig Horn, Southeast Regional Director of The Churchill Centre. Also noted at the library was the world’s largest collection of original “Movietone” News newsreels, many of which included fascinating footage of Winston, Clementine and Mary during WWII.

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The Conyers Collection will continue on display at the library into November 2009. In 2010, the entire Rare Books & Special Collections will move into the new Hollings Special Collections Library. The new facility will include expanded and updated study space for researchers, enhanced environmental conditions, attractive space for exhibits, teaching, public programs and digital projects, as well as security for both people and books to ensure the long-term availability of these extraordinary collections.

Above photo of Ken Childs, chairman of Beranrd Baruch Society of The Churchill Centre, Temple Ligon, architechtural historian USC, Craig Horn, The Churchill Centre.