Faulkner: Life and Works

An exhibition on the life and works of William Faulkner

The Exhibition

Surveying one of the great archives of American literature – the William Faulkner collections at the University of Virginia – this exhibition includes manuscripts alongside first editions and key archival documents. The novelist’s life is narrated through the personae he inhabited: artist, aviator, screenwriter, Nobel prizewinner, white southerner, UVA writer-in-residence, and more. Die-hard fans, the general public, and even the Faulkner-phobic will find the unexpected.

Biography

William Faulkner, who won the 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature, came to Charlottesville in 1957 to serve as UVA's first Writer-in-Residence, and remained at the University until his death in 1962. The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library holds Faulkner's papers, as well as dozens of related collections that document Faulkner's works and life, including his time on Grounds.

Visitor Policy

To enhance the experience of all guests and to protect our collections on display, please note the following policies:

  • No food or drinks allowed in the Main Gallery, the Flowerdew Hundred Gallery, or the Declaring Independence Gallery
  • Photography is permitted for personal, noncommercial use only. Flash photography, tripods, and other photographic equipment, including selfie-sticks, are not permitted in any exhibition gallery.
  • Low light levels in the exhibition galleries protect the unique materials on display from fading and discoloration. Light damage is both cumulative and permanent, and we strive to balance an enjoyable experience for our visitors with conditions that allow us to preserve our collections for generations.

Please note: large print versions of exhibition text are available in each gallery. We appreciate your participation in the care of our collections and hope you enjoy your visit.