Guide to the Paddy Whannel (1922-1980) Papers
| Collection Title: | Paddy Whannel (1922-1980) Papers |
| Dates: | 1896-1980 |
| Identification: | 20/23 |
| Collector: | Whannel, Paddy (Atholl Douglas), 1922-1980 |
| Extent: | 4 Boxes |
| Language of Materials: | English |
| Abstract: | Atholl Douglas (Paddy) Whannel was a film scholar. Born in 1922, Whannel came to teach at Northwestern in 1969 and became an associate professor of film in 1972. Whannel died in England in 1980.The Paddy Whannel Papers fill three and one-half boxes and span the years from 1896 to 1980. Comprising the series are: biographical materials, general correspondence, writings, research materials, and course materials. |
| Acquisition Information: | Russell Maylone, curator of Special Collections, Northwestern University Library, transferred this series to the University Archives on June 1, 1981 (Accession #81-115). |
| Processing Information: | Kevin B. Leonard, Deborah K. Wright, and Bryon A. Dickens; November 25, 1983. |
| Separated Materials: | One 16 millimeter film, two audio tapes, and several photographs have been separated to appropriate collections within the University Archives. |
| Conditions Governing Access: | The course materials may be used only with permission of the University Archivist. |
| Repository: | Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections Deering Library, Level 3 1970 Campus Drive Evanston, IL, 60208 URL: http://www.library.northwestern.edu/spec Email: special.collections@northwestern.edu Phone: 847-491-3635 |
Biographical/Historical Information
Atholl Douglas (Paddy) Whannel was a film scholar. Born in 1922, Whannel came to teach at Northwestern in 1969 and became an associate professor of film in 1972. Whannel died in England in 1980.
Whannel was born in October, 1922 in Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland, the son of Douglas and Margaret (Sutherland) Whannel. After attending local schools from 1927 through 1937 Whannel worked as a projectionist at Pitlochry's Regal Cinema until 1942.
From 1942 to 1945 Whannel served in the British Royal Navy. In 1946 he took up studies at Alnwick College of Education and received a teaching diploma in 1948. He attended the University of London from 1948 to 1953, earning a diploma in Art History.
Whannel taught history, art, social studies, and mass media at two London area schools from 1948 to 1957. In 1957 he joined the British Film Institute and shortly thereafter was appointed head of its education department. Whannel remained at the BFI until 1971.
Whannel first taught at Northwestern University during the summer session of 1969. In 1971 he returned to the university as a visiting professor of film and in 1972 he became a permanent member of the Northwestern faculty with an appointment as associate professor of film. While at Northwestern Whannel was instrumental in organizing several film study courses and in developing the curriculum of the department of radio, television and film. He chaired the film division of that department in 1975. The university awarded Whannel the rank of full professor in 1977.
Whannel authored numerous articles relating to the study of film and popular culture as well as two books: The Popular Arts (with Stuart Hall, 1964) and The Book of Darts (with Dana Hodgdon, 1976). He lectured extensively throughout Europe and America and held memberships in several professional associations.
Whannel died in London, England on July 8, 1980.
Scope and Content
The Paddy Whannel Papers fill three and one-half boxes and span the years from 1896 to 1980. Comprising the series are: biographical materials, general correspondence, writings, research materials, and course materials.
The biographical materials are arranged in five folders at the front of the series and include: vitae and clippings, correspondence and related documentation pertaining to Whannel's citizenship and visa, bills and receipts for personal expenditures and housing, income and tax documents, and medical and insurance bills and statements.
General correspondence is arranged in chronological order in one folder. The correspondence mainly documents Whannel's academic appointments and salary while at Northwestern.
The writings subseries includes one folder of brief articles and reports authored by Whannel; one folder of reviews of his book, The Popular Arts; and two folders of draft articles on Busby Berkeley and Gene Kelly.
The research materials fill about one box and include transcripts of interviews with noted producers, directors, and choreographers of motion picture musicals as well as notes and bibliographies pertaining to other filmmakers and film genres.
The course materials form the bulk of the series and include syllabi, bibliographies, assignment instructions, and examination questions. The course materials are arranged in folders according to course number with numerous copies of student papers scattered throughout. Unidentified or general seminar materials, miscellaneous student papers, general course and lecture notes, and course grade records are arranged in folders at the end of the series.
