Papers of David Francis Oliphant Russell
- Reference:GB 227 ms38516
- Dates of Creation:1939-1992
- Name of Creator:
- Physical Description:11 boxes
Scope and Content
ms38516/1: Wellesley Tudor Pole correspondence (1961-1968); David Tudor Pole correspondence (1978-1992); ms38516/1: Wellesley Tudor Pole correspondence (1961-1968); David Tudor Pole correspondence (1978-1992); ms38516 /2: Leadership lectures; Edinburgh University Press [publishing of Second Report on The Great Palace of the Byzantine emperors, 1958]; Talbot Rice correspondence; the lease of Silverburn House to the Secretary of State for Scotland [ca. 1961]; ms38516 /2: Leadership lectures; Edinburgh University Press [publishing of Second Report on The Great Palace of the Byzantine emperors, 1958]; Talbot Rice correspondence; the lease of Silverburn House to the Secretary of State for Scotland [ca. 1961]; ms38516 /3: Iona, 1939-1991; ms38516 /3: Iona, 1939-1991; ms38516 /4: University of St Andrews; ms38516 /4: University of St Andrews; ms38516 /5: Dr D F O Russell photography. ms38516 /5: Dr D F O Russell photography.
Administrative / Biographical History
Major David F.O. Russell (1916-1993) was a distinguished alumnus, generous benefactor and wise counsellor to the University of St Andrews. Son of Sir David Russell (1872-1956), he served in the 7th Black Watch during the 2nd World War and was awarded the Military Cross at the battle of El Alamein. He was seriously wounded at Le Havre, having taken part in the Normandy landings in 1944.
He succeeded to his father's business as Chairman of Tullis Russell Ltd, Paper manufacturers, Markinch, Fife after Sir David's death in 1956. He joined the Court of the University of St Andrews as Chancellor's Assessor in 1963 and served as Finance Convenor from 1964-1977. He also acted as Chairman of the Russell Trust, set up in memory of his brother Patrick who died in the War, which encouraged and assisted countless projects in the university and beyond. These included student expeditions, publishing ventures, and grants for research.
He was awarded the C.B.E. in 1969 and an honorary D.Sc. from Heriot Watt University in 1973 in recognition of his innovative excellence as papermaker and employer. He was made LL.D. by St Andrews in 1977. His interests included the trees and garden at Rossie, fishing, links with Iona and his service to the National Trust.
Source: 'Obituary' in Alumnus Chronicle, 1993, p. 31.
Access Information
This collection is closed until after the death of the last of DFO Russell's children.
Note
Description compiled by Rachel Hart, Archives Hub Project, based on information provided by Meic Pierce Owen, Russell Trust archivist.
Other Finding Aids
Closed.
Custodial History
The main body of the collection was deposited with St Andrews University Library Special Collections Department by the Russell family in 1985. A number of smaller subsequent deposits have followed, the most recent being in 2001. The collection is currently held on permanent deposit under conditions negotiated with the Keeper of Manuscripts and Muniments.
Related Material
Also, some DFO Russell material (1956-1964) is to be found within GB 227 ms38515, mostly within ms38515/11 (Turkish Excavation Papers). Material arranged by Dr DFO Russell and is open.
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