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The series mainly comprises printed circulars, 1924-1966, received by Alvin Langdon Coburn from numerous lodges of different orders of freemasonry, together with some press cuttings, 1954-1956, reporting on photography lectures given by him.

Personal papers of the photographer Alvin Langdon Coburn consisting mainly of correspondence concerning his association with several orders of freemasonry, 1903-1966. There is also a small amount of correspondence relating to his work as a photographer, 1913-1965, mainly concerning lectures broadcast by the BBC, but also including letters relating to the sale, by Coburn, of a small collection of letters from the American writer Henry James. The fonds also consists of lectures and associated notes, again mainly concerning Coburn's interest in freemasonry, 1937-[1966], dealing particularly with its history and origins; a few lectures reflecting particular aspects of his career as a photographer, and on his approach to photography, 1924-[1966]; together with some printed material, 1924-1966, primarily circulars from various Masonic lodges concerning forthcoming events. Given Coburn's important contributions to photography there is surprisingly little material which is of direct relevance to this aspect of his life within the archive. The additional group of material consists mainly of correspondence and papers relating to the administration of the estate of Alvin Langdon Coburn following his death and includes copies of his will and codicil and a Probate document proved at Bangor.

Correspondence, comprising letters to Alvin Langdon Coburn, together with draft and typescript copies of his replies, mainly concerning his links with, and interest in, freemasonry, 1903-1966, and concerning matters relating to his career as a photographer, 1913-1965; together with correspondence relating mainly to the estate, bequeathed items and belongings of Alvin Langdon Coburn following his death.

The series comprises lectures, mostly by Alvin Langdon Coburn and mainly in draft and typescript form, though also with a few in printed form, together with some handwritten notes, mainly concerning his interest in different aspects of freemasonry, 1937-[1966], together with some relating to his interest in photography, 1924-[1966].

The file includes lectures, 1937-[1966], dealing with the significance and symbolism of various elements of Masonic ceremony, including significant words, allegoric phrases and the specific colours and symbols used in designs within Masonic temples, as well as some descriptions of Masonic rituals and rites. Some lectures also detail the lives, work and teachings of specific historical figures associated with Masonic ideals, whilst others address Masonic philosophy and practices, mainly in relation to its spiritualism, as well as associated ideologies.

The file includes letters, 1903-1966, from members and officers of various orders of freemasonry, such as The Universal Order, The August Order of Light, various lodges of Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, several tabernacles of the Grand College of England of The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and both the Manchester and Merseyside Associations for Masonic Research. Amongst other subjects dealt with in the correspondence are travelling and accommodation arrangements for visits to various Masonic lodges, the distribution of circulars regarding forthcoming meetings, the proposal of prospective new members, the congratulating of existing members on their elevation to higher offices and questions regarding matters of Masonic ritual.

The file includes circulars, 1924-1966, giving details of forthcoming meetings of various Masonic lodges in Wales and England, at many of which Coburn delivered lectures, together with some membership lists, details of rules and constitutions, as well as a few consecration programmes and associated material.

The file includes lectures, 1924-[1966], dealing with Coburn's career as a photographer in which he reflects on certain experiences, including the photographing of notable individuals such as George Meredith, as well as on his ideology in relation to his work. Some of the lectures were read at the Royal Photographic Society in London, whilst others were delivered to the Liverpool Amateur Photographic Association. The file also includes a typescript copy of the foreword by H. G. Wells to Coburn's book New York, 1910.

The file includes letters, 1913-1965, regarding the broadcast of radio lectures by Coburn on the BBC, together with some concerning the sale of his Henry James letters at Sotheby's, London, in 1962. There are also three carbon copies of letters from Henry James, 1913-1914, and six aerogrammes, 1963-1965, from Minor White, editor of Aperture, a quarterly photographic magazine.

The file includes photocopies of press cuttings, 1954-1956, concerning lectures delivered to the Liverpool Amateur Photographic Association.