Ian Taberner papers

May 4 Collection - Box 89

Finding Aid

Prepared by Nancy Birk, 7 July 1994; Updated December 2016

Inclusive Dates: 1986
Extent: 1 slim document case, .16 cubic feet
Physical Location: 12th floor

Historical Note: Ian Frederick Taberner was the initial winner of the Kent State University May 4 Memorial Design Competition, held between 1985 and 1986. However, Taberner was a Canadian citizen, which disqualified him from receiving the award. The University attempted to award the prize to Taberner's associate, Michael Fahey, but he refused the award. Amidst some controversy, the University tried to reach an agreement with Taberner in which they would use the design and erect the memorial without granting the award, but negotiations between each party’s legal counsel failed. Bruno Ast, the second place winner, was eventually awarded first place. A portion of his design was constructed, but due to funding issues it became impossible to complete his entire design.

Scope and Content: This small collection holds materials exclusively related to Taberner’s entry in the May 4 Memorial Design Competition. Included are correspondence, design plans, news clippings, and a press release. The correspondence consists of letters from the Kent State University Office of the President to competitors in the design competition, and between the lawyers retained by Taberner and Kent State University in an attempt to negotiate an agreeable settlement. The design plans include photostats of site plans, and a copy of the design statement. News clippings comprise the largest portion of the collection, all dating from 1986. They chronicle the events following the decision to disqualify Taberner from the competition. The press release announces Taberner's design as the jury’s initial choice for the winner of the competition.

Arrangement: Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject matter. Items within each folder are arranged by date.

Acquisition Note: Ian Taberner donated these materials to Kent State University Special Collections and Archives on September 11, 1986.

Sponsor: Digitization of this collection was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Box 89
Folder -- Contents

1. Correspondence, May 4 Memorial Design Competition: 1986
2. Design Plans and Statement, May 4 Memorial Design Competition: 1986
3. News Clippings, May 4 Memorial Design Competition: April 1986
4. News Clippings, May 4 Memorial Design Competition: May-August 1986
5. Press Release, Statement of the Jury to the President and Board of Trustees: April 3, 1986