All Series Level Scope and Content Notes

Scope and Contents Note

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 in the Papers is a file of letters from von Gontard’s colleagues in the literary and arts communities, the highlights of which are listed below.


Accession 1575


Dictated by Goethe and signed.


Illustration from an unknown publication depicting the "Witches Sabbath" or Walpurgisnacht.


Original watercolor sketch by Goethe. Framed.

Located in oversize.


Signed in pencil by the artist. Framed.

Located in oversize.


Located in oversize.


Accession 1576


All correspondence is incoming and addressed to Gert von Gontard or jointing to him and his wife. The majority of the letters are written in German. Folders are arranged alphabetically by author and chronologically within each folder.


His letters are often signed jointly with his wife, Deborah Bertnotoff, the noted Israeli dancer, and often include clipping announcements, etc. relating to her work. The letters contain numerous enclosures, including typescript drafts of poems and other writings by Bin Gorion.


His letters are often written jointly with or entirely by his wife, Regina von Hapsburg.


His letters are all ALS and are often written jointly with his wife, Margaret. Letters include numerous drawings as well.


His letters consists of two TLS and two telegrams from Reinhardt to von Gontard regarding the latter's tenure as a faculty member in the Max Reinhardt workshop which he helped found. Also included are various teaching materials used by von Gontard which at the workshop; an inscribed photo of Helene Reinhardt; exhibition catalogue, first day cover, program, and bookseller's catalog relating to Reinhardt.


One folder of material relating to ca. 1966 publication of Voss poems. Includes typescript draft of poem, and photocopies of published work; typescript [carbon] of biographical material relating to Hans Voss, and typescript [carbon] letters from B______ Wiemer to Emmanual Bin Gorion and Gert von Gontard, as well as typescript [photo] reply from Bin Gorion.


Ts and auto letters and cards, telegrams, along with numerous auto and ts drafts of poems.


Signed by the author with his auto corrections.


Searching for one as of 2007: April 17.


Possibly von Gontard's director's copy, contains his auto notes.


Inscribed by Bin Gorion who contributed to the volume.


Consists of materials tranferred from Rare Books originally laid in books.