McKellar, Peter (1921-2003) Academic Diary

Peter McKellar's manuscript journal for the period 1955-1959 relating to academic business and affairs at the University of Sheffield (McKellar was a member of various Faculty boards and academic committees). The journal covers McKellar's appointment to Sheffield University, 1955, contains mention of meetings, exam results, research appointments, the New Chair of Psychology, 1959, student dissertation lists, 1958 and 1959, McKellar's displeasure at being overlooked as Chair of Psychology, departure of Secretary, 1959. The journal provides McKellar's personal insights on the academic administration, organisation and his colleagues; his views on how the department should be developed; his representation of his colleagues views; information relating to student dissertations and research appointments; perception of his own role and status in the Psychology Department.

Notes by McKellar written inside the front cover indicate that he began entries on 12 Nov 1955 in Aberdeen and he took over 'ownership' of the book 3 July 1959. He presented the book to J C Kenna following his appointment as Professor at Otago University, New Zealand. Starting from the other end of the book are notes on (apparently) photo chemical experiments. The hand looks different to McKellar's but may actually be his earlier notes. The experiments are not dated.

1955-1959

1 file

Other number refers to the numbering system used by previous owner, the British Psychological Society.

Deposited in the library at Wellcome Collection by the British Psychological Society in September 2008.

Peter McKellar M.A., Ph.D Lecturer in Psychology Sheffield University 1955, Senior Lecturer in 1969, elected as Chairman of the BPS Northern Branch 1968-1969, appointed Professor of Psychology, Otago University, New Zealand 1969.

McKellar's chief academic interest was the nature of thinking and the investigation of mental imagery.

Additional biographical information can be found in McKellar's obituary in the Telegraph newspaper, 8 September 2003.

Compiled by the Cataloguing Project Archivist at the British Psychological Society History of Psychology Centre, with minor editing by Wellcome staff.

Taken over as the personal property of Professor McKellar 3rd July 1959. Donated to J.C. Kenna Honorary BPS Archivist 22 January 1969. Notes were begun in Aberdeen and continued in Sheffield.

British Psychological Society accession number 0003