PHILIPPA DUNHAM SHAPLIN

I remember spending many afternoons talking with Mrs. Shaplin about her career as an art historian and about her wonderful book collection. I'll never forget her. Connell Gallagher

I will always remember Mrs. Shaplin. I was a frequent visitor and we had lovely talks about art history and about her specialties in Egypt and Africa. I loved looking at her books. She had a great library of mainly art history.

I still remember those wonderful afternoons I spent with Pippa learning about her background and her work at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Then we would look at books and she would tell me stories about Egypt and the Nubia. I love books and I love to learn about them. I still miss her. Best, Connell

Dear Helen

Dear John & Helen:

Pippa and I discovered each other about ten years ago. I was Head of Special Collections at UVM for about 20 years before I retired in 2006. Pippa contacted me about my wife's book "Breeding Better Vermonters," and she always wanted to speak with Nancy about this. She invited me to come and see her about her library, hoping that some of the books might be of interest to UVM. We wrote back and forth about art and books, and I visited her a few times to talk and...

It's been several decades since we've been in similar orbit, John. Yet reading about Pippa here, I recognize you.

Our condolences to you and your family.

Pippa Shaplin was also one of the funniest people I have ever met. Although I admired her erudition and wondered at the breadth and depth of it, I loved to listen to her when she was in high dudgeon about some particularly objectionable person, or attitude or thing. I was amused particularly by her prejudices against certain products, such as anything labeled Smuckers. She was an original. I treasure the letters I have from her, and feel fortunate she believed me worthy of receiving them....

I contacted Pippa through colleagues at the Saint Louis Art Museum and began a lively correspondence with her a couple of years ago. Her letters are testimony to an individual who was full of life, insight, and humor. I am deeply grateful for the history that she shared with me about her time in and memories of Saint Louis. Her diligent work on the collection here will help serve as a legacy to her spirit.

Dear Helen,
Sorry to hear about your mothers passing. Sounds like she was a very interesting lady who lived life to its fullest. I hope that fond memories will sustain you and the family at this time.

Hollie Shaner McRae