This sub-collection contains various sets of diaries and notebooks kept by Oppé throughout his adult life. Together these document appointments, daily activities, expenditure, contacts, travel, academic work, creative writing and philosophical thoughts.
The categories used in this catalogue reflect, as far as possible, how Oppé employed the diaries during his lifetime. However, as some contextual information has been lost since creation it has not always been easy to identify the original order. In these instances, the volumes have been grouped together, as far as possible, according to their content.
There are four categories as follows:
-daily diaries, 1893-1955: in a conventional diary format & containing details about Oppé's every day life and professional engagements
-black books, 1894-1955: loosely in a diary format & containing Oppé's thoughts, opinions, philosophical musings. Often used to develop his theoretical ideas about art
-appointment diaries, 1907-1957: detailing both professional & personal appointments
-address books, 1901-1949: containing both personal and professional contact details
As these various diaries and journals run concurrently, and frequently cover the same events, meetings and transactions, they can be used together to gain a more holistic insight into Oppé's life and work.