University Of SC Welcomes Churchill Collection

One of the donated books that came from Winston Churchill's personal library.

By: Robert Kittle | News Channel 7
Published: September 18, 2009

Florence cardiologist Dr. E. Conyers O'Bryan, Jr. says it all started when his parents wallpapered his room with World War II National Geographic magazines.

"Anybody who's interested in World War II has Winston Churchill as a primary figure and primary hero, so it really started there, more than anything else," he says.

What it started was decades of amassing a collection of books written by Winston Churchill, along with personal possessions of Churchill's, like an engraved silver pillbox and an oil painting that Churchill did around 1935.

Now, Dr. O'Bryan has donated his collection to the University of South Carolina. It will be on display in the Thomas Cooper library through October 26.

Why donate such a valuable collection that took so long to accumulate? "Well, I'm always a Gamecock, number one. Secondly, having it in the study was great, 'cause I'd sit in there and feel enveloped in Winston Churchill. But, at the same time, it's much better to share it with a thousand people than a few people," he says.

Tom McNally, dean of University Libraries, says, "This collection will add an important dimension to our rare books and special collections on 20th-century history. Winston Churchill was the most inspirational orator and leader of the 20th century and an incredibly courageous man. Not only will these books and letters be a valuable resource for scholars, but they will bring to life in a very personal way one of the most pivotal times in history."

The collection includes: more than 80 volumes of Churchill's writings published during his lifetime, many of them first editions; five volumes from Churchill's home library, which include his personal book plate inside; a large, limited-edition mezzotint portrait of Churchill standing in front of the Prime Minister's official residence at Number 10 Downing Street.

Dr. O'Bryan hopes the donation will bring increased interest in Churchill.

"If I were a student and had the opportunity to do that and put something in my hand that he had written an inscription within the book, then it would've meant everything to me," he says. "I'm sure, even as I would do again today, I get chill bumps when I pick up those volumes."