The Centre for Literary Studies (CALS) has completed the archival work on its substantial collection of photographs of African literary figures. These are to a large extent part of the original Lindfors Collection which forms the core collection of materials at CALS. Bernth Lindfors is a retired Professor of English at the University of Texas, in Austin. He continues to donate items to CALS and also makes use of the collection long distance.

This collection is popular with publishers, especially from the international community. A recent letter from Lindfors reveals how the CALS’ photographs are being used.  He wrote “Yes, the photos [slides of the originals] arrived a few days ago, and I’m very glad to have them.

The one of Achebe may be used in a future publication by the African Literature Association”. He explained that the famous Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o would use some of the slides: “The photos of Elvania Zirimu were sent to Ngugi wa Thiong’o who is now writing the next installment of his memoirs which deals with his years at Makerere University, where he knew Elvania and her husband Pio”.

CALS will be credited by the publishers as the source from which the photographs came.

The photographs can be viewed at the Centre and the contents are listed at  Photograph Collection List

For further assistance please contact Darlene Holtz x6249 or Wiseman Masango x6491.