Designing Women: Three Early American Book Artists

College of Wooster Special Collections
1 April – May 9, 2025

This exhibit highlights work by three of the earliest professional artists enlisted to provide designs for publishers’ cloth bindings in the late 19th century.

Book designs by Margaret Armstrong, Sarah Whitman, and Amy Richards illustrate the changing aesthetic of 19th century America towards the modern design philosophies that emerged with the Arts and Crafts Movement and, later, Art Nouveau. As women had long been involved with the traditional aspects of bindery work that included stitching and case making, women were also among the first artists who provided designs for the cloth covers that flourished at the turn of the 20th century as part of a growing movement that appreciated the book as art, as well as the book as text.

Special arrangements can be made for classes or small groups to view more materials from our collection. For more information contact Denise Monbarren (x2527).

Posted in Library Announcement on April 8, 2025.