A recent Washington Post article by Anne Midgette explained the undeniable influence Sophocles Papas (1894-1986) had on classical guitar enthusiasm and academic guitar study in the Washington D.C. area. George Mason Special Collections and Archives is proud to be the steward of Papas collection which includes the personal papers of Papas. The collection consists of music and manuscript scores, phonograph records, correspondence, music journals, photographs, and guitar music manuals.
An addition to the collection has been received from Papas’ daughter Elisabeth Papas-Smith. This new series includes scrapbook style magazine and newspaper clippings, postcards, photographs, and stamps featuring guitar images in art and popular music. Images of Papas and those he knew such as Charlie Byrd, Jack Duarte, Dorothy Perrenoud, Alvino Rey, and Carl Sandburg are also found in the Papas collection. The following page from the recent addition is an example of the images that can be found in the Papas collection.
Sophocles Papas personalized stationary and two photographs. The photo on the upper left reads: "To Dorothy (Perrenoud)- a true devotee of the guitar and one who possesses those rare qualities of talent, charm and genuine friendship. Affectionately, Sophocles Papas, Washington Dec. 12, 1948". The photo on the lower right reads: "To Mercia with love S.P."
