Walsdorf, a librarian by profession, began collecting William Morris books in 1966 while working in the Oxford, England public library. He wrote a book about the pleasures of collecting titled On Collecting William Morris: A Memoir. An interview with Walsdorf can be read here.
William Morris founded Kelmscott Press in 1891, with the intention to revive traditional book arts and typography. The books of Kelmscott Press, modeled after designs from the 15th century, are known for their distinctive illustrations and intricate borders. Morris used only red and black and some blue inks, and he designed three typefaces for use in the Kelmscott books: Chaucer, Troy, and Golden, all largely medieval in style. Kelmscott books reawakened interest in book design, and were imitated by fine presses and commercial printers in England and the United States.
A lecture by Jack Walsdorf will be held in the library on Wednesday September 21, Room 020 from 7 to 8 PM. The lecture is preceded by an informal reception in the exhibit space beginning at 6 PM. Seating for the lecture is limited to 50.
Please check the Collins Memorial Library web site for current library hours.
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