William Morris Highlighted in New Libraries Exhibit

A new exhibit, titled “William Morris in Books and Leaves” will be on display in the free-standing display cases outside of the Mahn Center on the fifth floor of Alden Library, starting Sept. 7. The display will feature a few items from the Libraries’ Rare Book Collection that demonstrate the influence that William Morris had on the publishing world and the evolution of bookmaking.

William Morris was an influential 19th century designer, political activist, book collector and later in his life, a creator of beautiful, handcrafted books. Morris was concerned about mechanization and the loss of craftsmanship during the Industrial Revolution, so he established Kelmscott House Press to create books in the style of early European manuscripts. 

“Even if you don’t know the name William Morris, you would probably recognize his designs,” said Dr. Miriam Intrator, special collections librarian. “They’re still very present in the art world, but I don’t think a lot of people know about the bookmaking part of his life, so [the exhibit] is an interesting opportunity to learn about it.” 
This year, the William Morris Society in the United States declared June 26 International Kelmscott Press Day to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding of the press and the 125th anniversary of the “Works of Geoffrey Chaucer,” considered to be one of the most important books produced by the press. 

University Libraries houses several leaves and books produced by the Kelmscott House Press, as well as a 13th century illuminated manuscript Bible that was once part of William Morris’s personal collection. 

“The exhibit is a great opportunity to see the Kelmscott Press books, which were all limited edition and are not widely available,” Intrator said. 

The exhibit will be a physical companion to the virtual exhibit of the same name that Intrator created for the inaugural International Kelmscott Press Day, which contains more information about William Morris and the related works. 

Intrator noted that the exhibit is focused on the history of bookmaking and printing, and the materials will be interesting for students with a broad range of interests. Students in the History of the Book and Printing class being offered this fall may find the display particularly relevant.

“History students, English students, art history students [and] Art + Design students will enjoy this, as well as plenty of other majors, because it’s not just about printing, it’s about literature, storytelling, typography, illustration, handpress printing, manuscripts and so many different elements,” Intrator said. “Bookmaking is a highly specialized craft and the final product can be, as in this case, so incredibly beautiful. 

For more information about the physical display, online exhibit or William Morris, contact Dr. Miriam Intrator.