From Golden Type to Wild Waves: Fine Press Books in Vanderbilt Special Collections | Apply Here
William Morris used the most up-to-date nineteenth-century technology—photography—to create handmade replicas of Medieval romances and epic poems. Morris’ designers and artists at Kelsmcott Press produced fine press work and intricate designs. His works drove Aesthetic Movement design and influenced book artisans long after his death in 1896. Vanderbilt Special Collections is home to many fine press books that build on Morris’ philosophy: Morris’own Kelmscott Chaucer, Robert Burns’ poems, Emerson’s essays, and modern works by Welsh artist Shirley Jones, among others.
In this Buchanan Library Fellowship, one student will develop and run virtual programs for the late Spring 2021 online exhibition that will explore the Nettie Hale Rand Collection of Fine Bindings and other fine press works. Programming will include an art workshop for audiences to explore aesthetics, books arts, and poetry and a digital interactive component. Working with the exhibition curator, Fellows will develop a social media campaign for the exhibit and assist with object research. Fellows typically work 3-5 hours weekly. Due to COVID-19, this spring semester fellowship will be conducted remotely. Contact: Mary Anne Caton