Cadbury Research Library

I have not been able to blog much of the material that I have sourced during my research for the Winterbourne Project as I am only allowed to photograph for my own purposes. This has included the letters, diaries and photographs of the Nettlefold family in Winterbourne's own archives. Yesterday I visited the Cadbury Research Library at Birmingham University to look at their extensive collection of books published by William Morris's Kelmscott Press. Although it wasn't possible to photograph the books on this occasion I wanted to record my thoughts on seeing them 'in the flesh'. The images here are sourced from a google search.

What struck me most was the intensity of the ink, the beautiful texture of the handmade rag paper and the impression made on the back of each page by the relief print. The use of spot red was very noticeable throughout the books - a device used in religious books from previous centuries. The binding of the books was also of great interest to me. Many were encased in limp vellum with ribbon ties- again another technique inspired by medieval bookbinders.

 I also saw publications inspired by the Kelmscott Press. Arthur Gaskin, an artist and jewellery designer from Birmingham,  illustrated 'Good King Wenceslas' for Cornish Bros. of New Street.