The Papers of Sir Charles Walston

Sir Charles Walston (formerly Waldstein, 1856-1927) studied at Columbia College, the University of Heidelberg, at Leipzig and in Munich before his appointment as a University Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at Cambridge University in 1880. He was admitted to King's College in 1882, and was elected a Fellow in 1894. He was a Reader in Classical Archaeology (1883-1907), Slade Professor of Fine Art (1883-9, 1904-11) and Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum (1883-9). He published numerous papers on classical archaeology and helped in the establishment of the University's Greek plays. He was Director of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens between 1889 and 1893, and during this period directed the excavation of the Argive Heraeum. On his return to England he concentrated on other studies and wrote several books. He married in 1909 and moved to Newton, but continued his connection with the University and the College. In 1918 he changed his surname from Waldstein to Walston. He died in Naples on 21 Mar. 1927.

For further biographical information see King's College, Cambridge, 'Annual Report', 1927, pp. 1-2.

The collection contains papers relating to Walston's Slade Professorship of Art 1904-5 and his other University lectures in Greek art and history; extensive notes written on all aspects of Classical Civilisation; notes on archaeological digs; notes and printed material gathered by Walston on various topics including chauvinism and anti-semitism; photographs and correspondence including a letter from M. R. James.

The Misc. 44 papers were given to King's College by his son Henry, Lord Walston, in 1970.

Please cite as King's College Archive Centre, Cambridge, The Papers of Sir Charles Walston, CW

Coll. Ph. 1326 shows Walston delivering his presentation speech at the Backs gate which he gave to the College. Coll Photo 417-419 are portraits of Walston. The Cambridge Record Office holds some papers of Sir Charles and Lady Florence Walston.

A concordance between old and new reference numbers is available in the reading room.

The draft handlist was completed in 1980 as 'Misc. 44'. The collection was reclassified in 2007 as 'CW'.