Anton Aškerc: The First City Archivist

Abstract

Purpose: This article examines the life and work of Anton Aškerc, a theologian, poet, and archivist, focusing on his archival work during the final period of his life. The research aims to shed light on his contribution to Slovenian archival science, particularly the implementation of the principle of provenance and the principle of respect des fonds at the City Archives of Ljubljana, and to expand knowledge of his lesser-known archival legacy.

Methodology: The research draws on the examination and analysis of materials held in archival and library institutions, supplemented by information obtained from Aškerc’s relatives who live at his family homestead. Its central focus is an analysis of his “Archival Work Plan,” together with the examination, processing, and comparison of the inventory of the archival fonds and the card indexes preserved in nine archival boxes at the Historical Archives of Ljubljana.

Results: The analysis provides further insight into Aškerc’s contribution to the development of Slovenian archival science and confirms the soundness of his decisions and views concerning the arrangement of records at the City Archives of Ljubljana. It highlights his role in introducing the principle of provenance and the principle of respect des fonds into archival practice. Information obtained from his relatives expands knowledge of his life and diverse creative activities, contributing to an understanding of his approach and attitude towards archival science.

Discussion and conclusions: The findings broaden the prevailing image of Aškerc as a poet and emphasise the significance of his archival legacy for the Slovenian archival profession. His work provides an important basis for understanding the development of the City Archives of Ljubljana, whose activities are continued and further developed by the Historical Archives of Ljubljana. The article also considers the hypothesis of a possible connection between the content of the records Aškerc arranged and the content and composition of his poems.