AEthelred Eldridge papers

Collection

Identifier: A0078

Content Description

This collection consists of 2.42 linear feet of self-published writing, zines, sketches and studies, writings on paper plates used in his classes and writings, broadsides, and original woodblocks made by AEthelred Eldridge. Most materials in the collection are related to his homestead Golgonooza. The collection contains over 40 self-published books and zines including, “News from Golgonooza”, “Albion Awake," and more, making it the collection's largest component. The collection contains little personal information about Aethelred Eldridge prior to living and working at Golgonooza.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1966 - 2010

Creator

Eldridge, AEthelred (Person)

Conditions Governing Use

The collection is owned by the American Folk Art Museum, with Saxon and Sebastian maintaining ownership of the copyright. The collection is subject to all copyright laws, and is dedicated to public use for research, study and scholarship.

Biographical / Historical

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AEthelred Elridge, born James Edward Leonard Eldridge in 1930, was an avant-garde artist, professor, and founder of the Church of William Blake. Born in Monroe, Michigan, he moved to Athens County, Ohio, in 1957, where he spent most of his adult life working and practicing art. He was an associate professor of art at the Ohio University School of Art and Design from 1958-2014. He notably painted a 50-by-80 foot mural in Seigfred Hall at Ohio University. His artworks were composed primarily of esoteric figures, symbols, and text in black and white. Many featured incantations to the painter and poet William Blake, who significantly influenced Elridge's life and work. He coined this style of work as “AEthelgrams.” In the 1960s, Eldridge and his wife Alexandra Eldridge purchased land to create the Golgonooza homestead in Millfield, Ohio where he founded the “Golgonooza Church and School of William Blake.” The church held services every Sunday that consisted of Blakean oration and interpretation sessions. Here he produced a prolific amount of artworks, self-published and printed books and zines, writings, and hosted performances.

Sources: “Aethelred Eldridge.” Essex Flowers, 2016. https://essexflowers.us/AETHELRED-ELDRIDGE.

Votaw, Emily. “‘But How Could He Be Forgotten?’ Looking Back on Aethelred Eldridge.” WOUB Public Media, December 10, 2018. https://woub.org/2018/11/29/but-how-could-he-be-forgotten-looking-back-on-aethelred-eldridge/.