Gwen Davenport papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Gwen Davenport papers
- Date
- 1960
- Extent
- 0.45 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Manuscripts, American -- Kentucky.
- Satire
- Typescript.
- Women authors -- 20th century.
- Kentucky Authors Collection
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by format.
- Preferred Citation
- 1997MS375: [identification of item], Gwen Davenport papers, 1960, University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collection Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Gwen Leys Davenport (1909-2002) was born in Panama to a Navy physician, but settled in Louisville, Ky following her marriage to stockbroker John Davenport in 1931. Davenport wrote several novels and books throughout her life. She is best known for her 1947 novel Belvedere which was adapted into three movies and a television series (running from 1985-1990). Gwen and John Davenport had three children.
- Sources:
- Reuters. "Gwen Davenport, 92, 'Belvedere' Author (Published 2002)." The New York Times, April 15, 2002. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/15/arts/gwen-davenport-92-belvedere-author.html.
- "Obituary for Gwen Leys Davenport" Newspapers.com. The Courier-Journal, March 25, 2002. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-obituary-for-gwen-le/130978607/.
- Scope and Content
- The Gwen Davenport papers (dated 1960; 0.45 cubic feet; 1 box) comprises the galley proofs, routing form, and typescript with edits of the novel The Wax Foundation. The novel is a satire about a group of intellectual humanitarians living together in a castle. It was published by Doubleday in 1961.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Contents of the Collection
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
