New Exhibition @ Haas

Currently on display in the Wright Special Collections Exhibition Area (lower level of the Haas Arts Library:)

Mary Ellet Kendall Valentine Binding Collection
June 29 – September 18, 2009

Mary Ellet Kendall Valentine and her sister, Sarah Ellet Kendall, were privileged to travel to England to study bookbinding with T. J. Cobden-Sanderson, proprietor of the Doves Press and close associate of William Morris. Full leather bindings with gold stamped decorations showcase both the technical and design skills of Mary Valentine and Sarah Kendall. The intricate patterns are influenced by their Arts & Crafts training, but also show a tendency toward Art Deco and other modern influences. The collection includes bindings executed jointly as well as solo work by Mary Valentine. The 23 bindings in the collection are in exquisite shape and are the best example of fine binding by one artist in the Arts of the Book Collection, part of Arts Library Special Collections.

This collection was the gift of Sarah V. Nerber (Sally) in honor of her father James A. Valentine ‘02.