Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection ca Decker Library, Maryland Institute College of Art

Transcription

1 Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection ca Decker Library, Maryland Institute College of Art Collection Overview Repository: Decker Library, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD Reference Code: edlba Creator: Ellen Dorn Levitt Title: Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection Dates: ca Quantity: 170 items; 4.33 lin. ft. Abstract: The Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection consists of materials used by Ellen Dorn Levitt in her career as a book artist and book making instructor, highlighting her time at Lyndon Institute in Vermont. The collection includes Levitt s completed books, some in collaboration with students or other colleagues, sample books, instructional aids (such as sewing/ binding patterns and directions), and various book arts program proposals. These materials are complemented with correspondence from Levitt s friend and fellow instructor, Linda Lembke, periodical articles, Levitt s publications, and several photographs. Some of her projects are original, while others (where noted) are photocopies or duplicates of original work. Historical / Biographical Note: Ellen Dorn Levitt was born in 1947 in Lakewood, NJ. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) from Levitt dedicated her life s work to a variety of artistic and creative endeavors, though much of her work revolved around teaching art, book arts, and book making, with a considerable amount of her professional career being spent at Lyndon Institute. Ellen was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013, and was forced to retire early to receive treatment in Boston. She passed away in Provenance: Gift, Linda Lembke and Mark Levitt, Accession: a. Processed by: Veronica Lathroum, Preferred citation: Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection, ca Decker Library, Maryland Institute College of Art. Alternative forms available: Image samples are included below, on this finding aid. Sources Used: Contained in the collection are a detailed biographical note, and a number of pieces of correspondence. These sources were integral to the formulation and understanding of the biographical history of Ellen Dorn Levitt. 1

2 Rules or Conventions: Society of American Archivists Describing archives: a content standard. Related Materials: A parallel collection is held by the University of Vermont Libraries. Scope and content: Each piece of Ellen Dorn Levitt s collection is unique in size, shape, and style. The bulk of her collection includes bound book arts projects, including student-sized examples, and samples. The collection also includes issues of publications Levitt was involved with, including the Lyndon Institute s literary magazine Janus, and a wide variety of instructional aids, information, and materials used in her art courses. Most of the completed book arts projects have a corresponding folder of such additional material. This material includes sample papers, binding examples, and disassembled book pieces. These books utilize a number of artistic techniques, styles, and mediums. Many were completed in conjunction with courses Levitt taught, in collaboration with her students and/ or colleagues. Many of her residency proposals and syllabi are included in the additional materials for each book. Some items include an introduction explaining the scope and purpose of particular projects. Dates in the inventory reflect the dates recorded on a listing supplied by the donor. Many of the individual items are also noted with a date of creation. A similar collection was donated to the University of Vermont Libraries, and the University of Vermont hosted an exhibit in Ellen Dorn Levitt s honor in The collection contains exhibit labels and advertising materials from this exhibit. Arrangement: Alphabetically by title of bound book, project, or subject matter, and grouped by size. The journal Janus is housed separately. Conditions governing access: Unrestricted. Request access at the Information Desk of the Decker Library between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, or refer@mica.edu to make an appointment Subjects include: Book Arts Bookmaking The Center Press Lyndon Institute Lyndonville, Vermont Maryland Institute, College of Art St. Michael s College University of Vermont Vermont Names: Lembke, Linda Levitt, E. D. (Ellen Dorn) (authorized name) Variant name(s): Levitt, Ellen Dorn Lyndon Institute (Lyndon Center, VT) University of Vermont. Library (authorized name) 2

3 Variant name(s): Bailey/ Howe Library University of Vermont. Library. Special Collections Department. LC Subjects: Artists books; artist books; Book art; Book works (Art); Books, Artists ; Bookworks (Art) Artists books -- Study and teaching. Activity programs in education. Book design -- Study and teaching. Bookbinding -- Study and teaching. Illustration of books -- Study and teaching. Types of Materials: Bound Books Correspondence Exhibition Announcements & Labels Instructional Aids Linoleum Blocks Paper Samples Periodicals Photographs Residency Proposals Sample Books Syllabi Container Listing: 5 boxes Inventory: 170 items total. Box 1 (carton): Abecedarium 1 book. 3 items. Various sizes. Bound book. [2011]. 2 sample drawings by EDL. [2011]. Assignment handout. [2011]. The Color Book 1 book. 1 folder. 7 items. Various sizes. Bound book in wrapper. [2011]. SMC announcement. [2011]. SMC course syllabus. [2011]. Collaborative book project. [2011]. Title, introduction, author, colophon text. [2011]. Drumleaf binding directions. [2011]. Book and wrapper templates. [2011]. Company ABC s 1 book. 1 item. ¼ x 6 x 6. 3

4 Bound book. [2012]. Elements and Principles of Art & Design 1 book. 1 folder. 3 items. Various sizes. Bound Book. [2010]. Swiveling pages directions. [2010]. Extra set of EDL illustrations. [2010]. Epigranimals 1 book. 3 items. Various Sizes. Bound book. [2007]. Polymer plate of Ellen Levitt s linoleum block. [2007]. Fate 1 book. 2 linoleum blocks. 1 folder. 8 items. Various sizes. Bound book. [2012]. Set of 5 EDL linoleum block prints. [2012]. Extra set of printed pages. [2012]. Ellen Dorn Levitt linoleum block of dog. [2012]. Ellen Dorn Levitt linoleum block of rat. Binding templates, notes, directions. [2012]. EDL board paper sample. [2012]. Florilegium 1 book. 1 folder. 6 items. Various sizes. Bound book in wrapper. [2008]. Building a Book Arts Program: SMC course announcement. [2008]. Building a Book Arts Program: SMC course syllabus. [2008]. Building a Book Arts Program: SMC daily schedule & plans. [2008]. Building a Book Arts Program: 2x2 block design photos. [2008]. Building a Book Arts Program: 2x2 block design handout. [2008]. General materials 2 folders. 28 items. Various sizes. correspondence with MICA re. collection. [2015]. Letter to UVM re. EDL book arts collection. [2014]. EDL biographical notes. [2014]. Resume. [1997]. Proposal for a book arts course at Lyndon Institute. [2004]. Letter of support from Linda Lembke. [2004]. Bookmaking residency proposals. [ ]. Book Arts article in Lyndon Institute, alumni newsletter, cover, pp [2006]. Introduction for the Broadside Project. [2006]. Photo of EDL and graduate education students. [2008]. Photo of book arts classroom [2009]. EDL poster of four basic techniques of pen & ink (includes original and photocopy). EDL pencil drawing lesson. Original EDL linoleum block print of book in hands. 4

5 SMC Course Announcement. [2010]. Introduction to Symmetries exhibit, Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. [2010]. UVM Exhibition: Announcement. [2014]. UVM Exhibition: Scan of EDL broadside of Kahil Gilbran quote. [2014]. UVM Exhibition: Text for exhibit label for UVM exhibition. [2014]. UVM Exhibition: Letter to the editor of The Caledonian Record ( Remembering Ellen Levitt ). [2014]. UVM Workshop: Slipcase with full set of 8 workshop items. [2014]. UVM Workshop: Announcement. [2014]. UVM Workshop: Extra slipcase title. [2014]. UVM Workshop: Extra slipcase directions. [2014]. UVM Workshop: Extra tessellations handouts (2). [2014]. UVM Workshop: Extra colored pencils handout. [2014]. UVM Workshop: Extra hexagonal book directions. [2014]. UVM Workshop: Printed hexagons for geometric designs (2). [2014]. Insectabet 1 book. 1 folder. 12 items. Various sizes. Bound book in wrapper. [2011]. Residency proposal. [2011]. Introduction and colophon text. [2011]. Insect choices. [2011]. Letter assignments. [2011]. Drumleaf binding directions. [2011]. Tim Ely article on drumleaf binding. [2011]. Denise Carbone caterpillar stitch directions. [2007]. Canberra bookbinders caterpillar stitch directions. [2007]. 2 caterpillar stitch sewing cards. [2007]. Cover model and templates. [2011]. Line Contrast Composition 2 books. 3 items. Various sizes. Bound book. [ ]. Bound book. [ ]. EDL sample pen & ink drawing. Box 2 (carton): Lyndon Institute Kingdom Awards in Literature 4 volumes. 4 items. Volume 1. [2000]. Volume 5. [2004]. Volume 7. [2005]. Volume 8. [2006]. Renga 1 portfolio book. 1 folder. 3 items. Various sizes. 16 prints in portfolio. [2006]. Extra set of 16 prints and introduction. [2006]. 5

6 Slipcase with 13 book models 1 slipcase. 13 books. Various sizes. Single signature, soft cover, 3-hole pamphlet stitch binding (#1). [2010]. Single-signature, soft cover, 5-hole pamphlet stitch binding (#2). [2010]. 2-signature, soft cover with pockets (#3). [2010]. 2-signature, soft cover, tab/slot closure, foldout map (#4). [2010]. Single signature, hardcover, EDL paste papers. Accordion pocket book with 4 fold and cut booklets. [2011]. Accordion with hard covers. Accordion meander with hard covers. Accordion with soft wraparound cover. Layered accordion. Pop-up alphabet accordion with wrapper. [2013]. Gioia. [2007]. Rise. [2007]. Things Natural 1 book. 1 folder. 4 items. Various sizes. Bound book. [2007]. Barbara Follette Follow-on plan and note. [2007]. Ikegami tortoise-shell binding directions. [2007]. Tibet Through the Red Box 1 book. 1 folder. 7 items. Various sizes. Bound book in clamshell box. [2009]. Residency proposal. [2009]. Publisher s notes. [2009]. Mandala diagram handout. [2009]. Case binding steps. [2009]. F. Zeier case binding directions. [2009]. Photos of residency. [2009]. Vermont Bestiary 1 book. 1 folder. 15 items. Various sizes. Bound book in slipcase. [2005]. Residency planning notes. [2005]. Introductory text. [2005]. Article from Caledonia-Record & copy. [2005]. Animal symbols ( Totem Poles ). [2005]. An Odd Bestiary. [2005]. Notes on page design. [2005]. William Morris page design. [2005]. EDL illustration. [2005]. 1 student border design. [2005]. Cover plate proof. [2005]. Unbound blank book (small practice version). [2005]. Binding directions. [2005]. 6

7 Sewing pattern. [2005]. Yum Yum 1 book. 1 linoleum block. 1 folder. 4 items. Various sizes. Bound book. [2011]. Ellen Levitt s linoleum block. [2011]. Extra set of printed pages. [2011]. Box 3 (half carton): Birds of Vermont 2 books. 1 folder. 8 items. Various sizes. Bound book of photocopied manuscript paintings, EDL cover painting. [2003]. Bound book of photocopied manuscript paintings (half-sized student version). [2003]. Residency Proposal. [2003]. Note from Ellen Levitt to Linda Lembke. [2003]. Extra introductory page, EDL painting. [2003]. 3 photos from residency. [2003]. Extra half-sized photocopies of original pages. [2003]. Decorative Papers 1 folder. 6 items. Various sizes. Marbled paper samples. Paste paper samples. Paste paper directions. [1999]. Silkscreen samples. Painted paper samples. Computer-generated samples. Wildflowers of Vermont 2 books. 1 folder. 11 items. Various sizes. Bound book in clamshell box (photocopied manuscript pages). [2004]. Bound book (half-sized student version). [2004]. Residency proposal. [2004]. Introduction and colophon text. [2004]. Glossary of terms ( Medieval Manuscripts ). [2004]. Longstitch binding examples. [2004]. Inkjet print of EDL title page painting. [2004]. Longstitch binding directions & sewing pattern. [2004]. Longstitch practice binding. [2004]. Sample cover paper. [2004]. Box 4: Janus 16 volumes. Various sizes. Volume 8. [1998]. 7

8 Volume 9. [1999]. Volume 10. [2000]. Volume 11. [2001]. Volume 12. [2002]. Volume 13. [2003]. Volume 14. [2004]. Volume 15. [2005]. Volume 16. [2006]. Volume 17. [2007]. Volume 18. [2008]. Volume 19. [2009]. Volume 20. [2010]. Volume 21. [2011]. Volume 22. [2012]. Volume 23. [2013]. Box 5 (oversize): Auguries of Innocence 1 portfolio book. 1 item. ¾ x 11 x broadsides (photocopies) in portfolio. [2012]. Brief Let Me Be 1 book box. 2 items. Various sizes. 18 broadsides in clamshell box. [2006]. Introduction on mat board. [2006]. Whan That Aprille 1 portfolio book. 2 items. Various sizes. 12 prints in portfolio. [2012]. 8

9 Image samples: Courtesy of Linda Lemke Ellen Dorn Levitt with student 9

10 Slipcases with 13 book models Vermont Bestiary 10

11 Vermont Bestiary 11

12 Vermont Bestiary 12

13 Line Contrast Composition 13

14 Auguries of Innocence 14

15 Auguries of Innocence 15

16 Auguries of Innocence 16