UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 3
September 19, 1996
19th-century color printing subject of exhibition

     Color Printing in the 19th Century" is the title of an
exhibit now on display in the Special Collections Exhibition
Gallery of the Morris Library.
     The exhibit documents changes in color printing technology
by displaying some of the finest examples of books illustrated in
color and published from the last quarter of the 18th century
until the beginning of the 20th century.
     An opening reception, open to the public by reservation, is
scheduled at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Class of 1941
Lecture Room in the Morris Library. To request a printed
invitation, call 831-2231.
     The 19th century was the turning point for technical
development in color illustration. Prior to that, books with
color plates were hand-colored by artists using techniques dating
back to the Renaissance. A hundred years later, photo-
reproductive techniques and the steam-driven printing press took
printing out of the hands of the artist and introduced processes
that would be used until the computer revolution of today.
     Among the books on exhibit are two masterworks of nature
painter John James Audubon, The Birds of America and The
Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. Other books on display
include charming children's books by Kate Greenaway and Walter
Crane and beautifully hand-colored botanical illustrations from
The Botanical Magazine, the most famous English horticultural
periodical. Well-known prints by Currier & Ives and popular
Victorian-style chromos also will be on display.
     "'Color Printing in the 19th Century' is a particularly
appropriate topic for an exhibition at the University of Delaware
Library," Susan Brynteson, director of libraries, said. "One of
the library's great strengths is its collections on the history
and technology of printing and the book arts. The library's
Special Collections Department houses a wide range of materials
documenting the history and technology of printing, publishing,
papermaking and all aspects of the book arts."
     An illustrated catalog is available on site for $15 or may
be purchased by mail by adding $2.50 postage and handling and
contacting the Office of the Director at 831-2231.
     The exhibit was curated by Iris Snyder of the Special
Collections Department and was made possible with the support of
the E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. Printing and Publishing
Operation in Boothwyn, Pa., which donated in-kind service for the
printing of the catalog, and other donors who assisted in the
publication's expense.
     The exhibition will be on view through Dec. 18. The Special
Collections Exhibition Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Mondays through Fridays, and until 8 p.m., Tuesdays. 
                                                     -Beth Thomas