The Archives & Rare Books Library’s 2009-2010 intern is headed toward the completion of her special project.  Lilia Walsh, a University of Cincinnati Honors student, has been working for the past nine months on compiling an annotated bibliography and web exhibit of ARB’s rare books on William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Morris (1834-1896) was an artist, designer, writer, and socialist in England, and a giant presence in the Pre-Raphaelite and Arts & Crafts art worlds, particularly with his emphasis on a resurgence in craftsmanship.  He was also a tremendous influence in textile design and typography that continues to this day.  The Rare Books Collection of the Archives & Rare Books Library holds a rich collection of the work of Morris and his Kelmscott Press, as well as American imitators and other notable volumes from the Arts & Crafts period.

Ms. Walsh, who also transcribed and annotated a rare letter from Morris that is contained in ARB, will complete her work by the end of Spring Quarter.  Her web exhibit and bibliography will greatly increase access to these materials and be of considerable value for a number of courses in art history, graphic design, political science, history, and English.

For more information on this year’s intern project and Lilia Walsh, please see http://www.libraries.uc.edu/libraries/arb/archives/walsh.html.

– Kevin Grace