IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 2108 KUAS4
Held at: Kingston University
Title: Ivanovic, Vane: The Vane Ivanovic Library
Date(s): [1490-1980]
Level of description: Collection (Fonds)
Extent: c. 5000 volumes
Name of creator(s): Ivanovic | Vane | 1913-1999 | political campaigner, shipping merchant, dipolomat and athlete
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
Vane Ivanovic was born into a family of shipping merchants. He studied at the University of Cambridge and later went on to become an Athlete, competing in the Berlin 1936 and London 1948 Olympics Games. He would also later become an expert in spear-fishing. Taking over his family shipping firm, Ivanovic was instrumental in acquiring the Yugoslavian fleet for use by the Allies during the Second World War. During the war he also acted for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). After the war, he took up permanent residence in the UK and held some political and diplomatic posts, such as Ambassador to Monaco. He also actively campaigned for a united Yugoslavia, and founded the Democratic Alternative group to support this.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Circa 5000 books collected by Vane Ivanovic. The strength of the library is books on 20th Century Balkan history and books on the Second World War, although there are books on a number of other subjects including the history of the Olympic Games and Spear-fishing. There are also a small number of books pre-dating 1900, going back to the 1490s. The vast majority of books are in English, although a small number are in other Western European languages or Serbo-Croat.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
French
German
Serbo-Croat
System of arrangement:
The books have been arranged accordinhg to the Dewey decimal system.
Conditions governing access:
The books are available to view by appointment in the Kingston University Archives and Special Collections search room. At least a weeks notice is required for appointments to view the Serbo-Croat books (24 hours notice required for the rest of the Collection).
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copying may be restricted to comply with copyright law and to protect the physical condition of the books. Please refer any requests for copies to a member of staff.
Physical characteristics:
Some of the books are very old or very fragile, and careful handling is required. The Archivist will advise on any special handling requirements when you make your appointment.
Finding aids:
Books are item listed on our library catalogue at http://icat.kingston.ac.uk
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
The Ivanovic family
ALLIED MATERIALS
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Date(s) of descriptions: 2014