Murphy, Ray

This file contains thirty-five letters, telegrams, postcards and notes from Ray Murphy, dated between 2 Aug 1947-27 Jan 1953, mostly concerning the English watercolours he was interested in purchasing (often following the advice and assistance of Oppé). Murphy had a particular interest in the works of Alexander & John Robert Cozens and Edward Lear. The letters include discussion of works; thoughts on fellow collectors and scholars; and arrangements for the English watercolour exhibition held at Yale in 1950.

There is also mention of an incident which took place in January 1950, in which a sketch of William III by Godfrey Kneller (owned by Murphy) was refused an export licence.

Also included in the file are the following letters concerning Murphy's death in 1953:

-eleven letters from Janet Camp Troxell, a friend of Murphy, dated between 1 Feb-26 Nov 1953. Also includes a letter from Murphy to Janet Camp Troxell, dated 1 Mar 1952

-letter from [illegible], dated 14 Feb 1953

-ten letters from Ray Slater Blakeman, Murphy's mother, dated between 7 Feb-23 Jun 1953. Also includes a memorial booklet, some newspaper cuttings and a photograph of Murphy

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Ray Livingstone Murphy (1923-1953) was an American art and book collector. After the Second World War, he spent some time in London where he became acquainted with Oppé. Oppé soon began to mentor Murphy, helping him build his collection of English watercolours. On Murphy's return to America in 1940, he began to study at the University of Virginia before moving on to Yale to complete his degree. After graduation he remained at Yale, working in the University Library where he had some involvement in purchasing works of art and books for the collection. He also helped organise an exhibition of 'English landscape watercolours from English and American private collectors' held at Yale 1950 (to which Oppé loaned works). Murphy died suddenly at the age of 29.