The collector as saviour or devastator

This article explores the collection of archival records in the nineteenth century and its impact on historical archives. The discussion begins with archival theory’s traditional distinction between collections and archives. Where collections are broadly defined to include artifacts, books, media, documents and various materials, contrasting with the more specific categorisations within the archival community of “archives” (or “fonds”) and “artificial collections”. In the context of contemporary archival practices that increasingly embrace collecting while simultaneously questioning the objectivity of archives, the Jacob Westin Collection and the Axel Oxenstierna Collection, along with the Swedish Autograph Society’s Journal from 1879 to 1898, are examined. The study places special emphasis on the ef­fects of these collections on archives, particularly from the perspectives of provenance and original order. During the nineteenth century, the popularity of collecting autographs and historical documents surged, influencing how archival records were managed. The study highlights how collectors have profoundly influenced public archives through acquisition methods including purchase, exchange, and at times, theft, often reorganising materials according to their own systems. It encapsulates discussions on the differentiation between collections and archives, the role of collectors in preserving historical materials and considerations in archival practices.