Archive of Gillian and John Sutro

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The papers include long runs of letters from Harold Acton, Graham Greene, and Marcel Vertès, and some from Evelyn Waugh. Most of the correspondence in the collection was meticulously kept by Gillian Sutro in plastic folders (now discarded, as deteriorating), and some of it is accompanied by her notes (mainly compiled in the 1980s and 1990s) on the contents of the letters and on her life at the time. Many of the notes were made by her in later life, and are sometimes repetitive and sometimes possibly unreliable.

Dates

Creation: 1893-1999, n.d.

Extent

22.77 Linear metres (207 Shelfmarks)

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish anything written by John or Gillian Sutro should be obtained in writing from the Bodleian Library, which will consult Trinity College before giving permission. Permission to publish anything else in the collection should be obtained in writing from the Bodleian Library and from the relevant copyright holders. Acknowledgment should always be made to Trinity College, Oxford, as well as to the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford. The Bodleian can give permission to copy papers, subject to the usual rules.

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. c. 7222, fols. 1-2].

Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.

Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Eng. b. 2130, b. 2132, c. 7222-7270, d. 3636-3667, e. 3463-3582; Photogr. c. 190-193

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 11737

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers of Gillian and John Sutro, 20th cent.

Biographical / Historical

John Sutro (23 Apr. 1903-18 June 1985), was educated at Rugby, went up to Trinity College, Oxford, in 1922, and edited The Cherwell during his time at Oxford. He initially intended to read for the Bar, but became a director of London Film Productions (founded by his father in 1932), and in 1942 founded Ortus Films. He married Gillian Sutro (28 May 1917-1999), film actress in the late 1940s as 'Gilliane Vernon', and fashion journalist. They retired to Monaco in 1974. For a few further details of their lives, see Bonhams, sale catalogue, 13 Mar. 2002 (including many Sutro items), pp. [4-5]. Biographical and autobiographical papers of Sutro are in MSS. Eng. e. 3463-502; and of Gillian Sutro in the sub series Papers of Gillian Sutro, 20th cent.

Arrangement

Correspondence, followed by papers.

Custodial History

Gillian Sutro bequeathed her estate to Trinity College, Oxford.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers are by agreement with Trinity College, Oxford, jointly owned by the Bodleian and Trinity; most of them were transferred by Trinity College in 2001; further papers were transferred in several batches in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Related Materials

Trinity College has some Sutro material on display in the Sutro Room, including portraits of John and Gillian Sutro, photographs, and some letters and manuscripts (briefly described in the following catalogue, passim). Please apply to the Librarian, Trinity College, in writing, for access to papers at Trinity.

Sutro's letters to John Sparrow are in the Sparrow papers at All Souls College, Oxford.