Photo left to right – Dr. Sandra Kirby,Associate Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of Graduate Studies, Acting Dean of the Library; Dr. Linwood DeLong, Head Librarian & Curator Eckhardt-Gramatté Library; Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, and members of the Eckhardt Gramatté Foundation
WINNIPEG, MB – A book collection that spans time and languages — inspired by music and art — premiered today at The University of Winnipeg’s new Eckhardt-Gramatté Library. This unique collection contains the professional and personal library of the late Dr. Ferdinand Eckhart, composer and musician Sophie Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté, and the German Expressionist painter Walter Gramatté. This notable collection valued at $185,000 and housed in Bryce Hall, was donated to UWinnipeg by the Eckhardt Gramatté Foundation.
“This is a rich and significant collection of over 8,000 books, journals and exhibition catalogues dealing with art history from many regions of the world,“ explained Linwood DeLong, Head Librarian & Curator, Eckhardt-Gramatté Library. “UWinnipeg is very pleased to have received this collection and is very grateful to the Eckhardt Gramatté Foundation for their support and encouragement, in bringing this collection to our campus.”
A significant portion of the collection is in German but also includes books in English, French, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Romanian and Dutch. The range of subjects covers European history, classical music, musicians, and religious studies. The collection is currently being catalogued and will soon be available for use, by appointment only.
“We are very pleased to support the Art History program at The University of Winnipeg with this unique gift,” expressed Lynda Hiebert, Executive Director, Secretary-Treasurer, Eckhardt Gramatté Foundation.“It was offered to The University of Winnipeg because Dr. Ferdinand Eckhardt was a strong advocate of this program and its
relationship to the Winnipeg Art Gallery Collections.”The Eckhardt-Gramatté Foundation is a charitable organization established in 1982 by Dr. Ferdinand Eckhardt, former director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, in memory and honor of his late wife, the composer and musician Sophie Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté, and her first husband, German Expressionist Walter Gramatté. The Eckhardt Gramatté Foundation works to advance public appreciation and understanding of their musical and artistic works. For more information visit the Eckhardt Gramatté Foundation.
For more information on, or to book an appointment at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Library, contact Linwood DeLong, Head Librarian & Curator, Eckhardt-Gramatté Library: 1BM21 Bryce Hall, University of Winnipeg; T: 204-786-9124, E: l.delong@uwinnipeg.ca
