To delight, illuminate and inspire: selections from the Emery Walker Library

6 September – 23 November

The Emery Walker Library is full of wonderful surprises, books which are beautiful to look at and an inspiration to read.

Emery Walker was one of the most important figures in the revival of the craft of book production at the end of the 19th century. At the heart of the revival were the three private presses: the Kelmscott Press, Doves Press and Ashendene Press. These three presses were instrumental in starting the Private Press Movement which shared many of the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement and there was some overlap between the key designer/craftsmen. For example, William Morris established the Kelmscott Press with Emery Walker's assistance.

This exhibition has been organised to celebrate the publication of the third catalogue for the Arts and Crafts collection at Cheltenham, Originality & Initiative. The catalogue includes essays and information about the Arts and Crafts archives of drawings and Emery Walker Library books.

The selection of books in this exhibition concentrates on how books can delight, illuminate and inspire us both through their text and visual beauty. Exhibitions Officer, Sophia Wilson says "Emery Walker was a true craftsman in every sense of the word and his love of books shines through his collection, which is now in the care of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum. One of my favourite books is a copy of The Story of the Volsungs and the Niblungs, the book looks very plain on the outside but when you open it up the first page has been hand-decorated by William Morris and was a gift for his friend the architect, Philip Webb. What is fascinating about many of the books as well is that they are noted inside by Emery Walker and others, often explaining their source or giving a relevant anecdote."

Archived Press Releases