From Buffalo’s Central Library
The fine press works of William Morris, the English craftsman, writer and poet who revived the art and craft of printing in the 1890s are featured in a Rare Book Room exhibit at Buffalo’s downtown Central Library in Lafayette Square. 
The Library’s exhibit celebrates the works of William Morris (1834-1896), 19th century English craftsman. He is often remembered today for Morris & Co. which manufactured and sold distinctive furnishings and décor including wallpaper, stained glass, rugs, and tapestries. However, he also founded one of the most famous private presses – the Kelmscott Press – where he produced beautiful and limited-edition, hand-crafted books.
This exhibition showcases works of the Kelmscott Press from the Library’s collection, including the renowned Chaucer, and a selection of books from presses influenced by Morris, including local presses as the Roycroft (East Aurora, N.Y.) and Aries (Eden, N.Y.).
The story of the Kelmscott Press, its founder William Morris, and the involvement of important individuals like the artist Edward Burne-Jones are included as background to the stunning books on display. On display now through January 30, 2011, “The Ideal Book- William Morris and the Kelmscott Press” shows spectacular artistry in print design and features the famous Kelmscott Chaucer (1896), regarded as the greatest publication issued by a modern private press.
Other notable books selected for the exhibition are the Doves Press English Bible; An Endeavour Towards the Teaching of John Ruskin and William Morris; and Spenser’s Faerie Queene. The William Morris exhibit is free and open to the public during regular Central Library hours.
For more information, visit www.Buffalolib.org.
(Click on Niagara At Large at http://www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to residents in our greater binational Niagara region.)
Niagara At Large 