The Redpath Family and the McGill Libraries' Collections

Abstract

In celebrating the centenary of the Redpath Library, we also celebrate the role of Peter Redpath as benefactor, since it was his donation of money that made the construction of the building possible. However, it behoves us at this time as well to mark the Redpath family's donations and influence upon the subsequent growth of the McGill collections both Peter Redpath's donation of over 3,000 carefully selected books purchased by him on McGill's behalf, together with another 2,000 plus bequeathed to McGill by his widow, and the subsequent creation of the Peter Whiteford and Jocelyn Clifford Redpath Memorial Fund, an endowment existing for the benefit of the McGill Libraries which has enabled the purchase of a number of fine and scarce items since its establishment in 1903; the W.W. Redpath Fund, which was used for much of the early building up of McGill's engineering collections; and the Sir Thomas and Lady Roddick Fund, used from its establishment in 1954 until today for the purchase of rare books.