The Bibliophile and the Library: Private-Press Books from the Collection of Bill Heidrich
| When | January 13 - April 30 |
|---|---|
| Where | Hatcher Gallery Exhibit Room Hatcher Library North, First Floor, Room 100J View floor plan |
| Event type | Exhibit |
View beautifully illustrated books that stand as remarkable testaments to the work of twentieth-century small private presses, which, in contrast to the trend of mass commercialization, produced limited editions that celebrated the uniqueness of manual craftsmanship. Features such as exquisite typeface design, letterpress printing, handmade paper, traditional illustration techniques like woodcut and engraving, and the inclusion of original art by renowned artists highlight the presses' dedication to artistry and detail.
The display opens with an edition of "The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer," published in 1896 by William Morris at his Kelmscott Press, a pivotal press that greatly influenced the development of the private press movement as a means of preserving and revitalizing the fine printing and art traditions of the past. Additionally, the exhibit includes some examples of artist’s proofs, offering a glimpse into the intricate creative process behind these exceptional works.
These books are on loan from the collection of Bill Heidrich, a long-time supporter of the University of Michigan Library.
Proof of a hand-colored engraving by Leonard Baskin, an original artwork connected to the planning of "Capriccio," with poems by Ted Hughes and engravings by Leonard Baskin, The Gehenna Press, 1990.
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Library contact
Pablo Alvarez · pabloalv@umich.edu
Library events are free and open to the public, and we are committed to making them accessible to attendees. If you anticipate needing accommodations to participate, please notify the listed contact with as much notice as possible.