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Kelmscott Press Collection

Kelmscott Press, founded by the renowned artist and writer William Morris, was a significant force in the world of book printing and design during the late 19th century

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: Kelmscott Press: Page from The Tale of Beowulf Printed in the Troy Type, c. 1895, (1914)

Kelmscott Press: Page from The Tale of Beowulf Printed in the Troy Type, c. 1895, (1914). Artist: William Morris
Kelmscott Press: Page from The Tale of Beowulf Printed in the Troy Type, c.1895, (1914). Page from The Tale of Beowulf Done Out of the Old English Tongue. Trans. By William Morris and A. J. Wyatt

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: Title page and opening page from the Kelmscott Press edition of

Title page and opening page from the Kelmscott Press edition of
985837 Title page and opening page from the Kelmscott Press edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, 1896 (woodcut on vellum) by Burne-Jones, Edward Coley (1833-98) & Morris

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: Cover of 'Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye', volume 2, 1892. Creator: Cedric Chivers

Cover of "Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye", volume 2, 1892. Creator: Cedric Chivers
Cover of "Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye", volume 2, 1892. Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye (A Collection of the Histories of Troy)

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: Sussex Cottage, 14 Upper Mall, Chiswick, home of William Morris Kelmscott Press (b / w photo)

Sussex Cottage, 14 Upper Mall, Chiswick, home of William Morris Kelmscott Press (b / w photo)
3637711 Sussex Cottage, 14 Upper Mall, Chiswick, home of William Morris Kelmscott Press (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sussex Cottage)

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: 21. M. 1 Binding by Doves Bindery for the Kelmscott Chaucer, 1896 (pigskin)

21. M. 1 Binding by Doves Bindery for the Kelmscott Chaucer, 1896 (pigskin)
FIT69763 21.M.1 Binding by Doves Bindery for the Kelmscott Chaucer, 1896 (pigskin) by English School, (19th century); Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; English

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer
5668981 The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by Kelmscott Press in 1896 (woodcut) by Burne-Jones

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer
5668982 The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by Kelmscott Press in 1896 (woodcut) by Burne-Jones

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer
5668979 The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by Kelmscott Press in 1896 (woodcut) by Burne-Jones

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer
5668980 The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by Kelmscott Press in 1896 (woodcut) by Burne-Jones

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: Kelmscott Press: Page printed in the Golden Type, c. 1895, (1914). Artist: William Morris

Kelmscott Press: Page printed in the Golden Type, c. 1895, (1914). Artist: William Morris
Kelmscott Press: Page printed in the Golden Type, c.1895, (1914). Illustrated page: Note by William Morris on his aims in founding the Kelmscott Press in which Morris explains his interest in

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: Illustration from the Kelmscott Press edition of the Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, 1896 (1964)

Illustration from the Kelmscott Press edition of the Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, 1896 (1964). Printed in Hammersmith, London, 1896. The Kelmscott Press was founded by William Morris in 1891

Background imageKelmscott Press Collection: The Kelmscott Chaucer, with a special binding by William Morris, 1896 (1901)

The Kelmscott Chaucer, with a special binding by William Morris, 1896 (1901). Cover of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, illustrated by Edward Burne-Jones



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Kelmscott Press, founded by the renowned artist and writer William Morris, was a significant force in the world of book printing and design during the late 19th century. The press produced exquisite editions of classic works, showcasing Morris's exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision. One notable example is "The Tale of Beowulf, " printed in the Troy Type around 1895. This page exemplifies Morris's meticulous attention to detail, with its elegant typography and intricate illustrations that bring the ancient epic to life. Another masterpiece from Kelmscott Press is their edition of "The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer. " Bound by Doves Bindery in pigskin for the 1896 Chaucer edition, this binding showcases both durability and beauty. It perfectly complements Chaucer's timeless tales within. Located at Sussex Cottage in Chiswick, London, Kelmscott Press operated from this charming home where William Morris resided. The black-and-white photograph captures the essence of this historic place that served as a hub for creativity and innovation. Morris's passion for reviving traditional crafts shines through his work at Kelmscott Press. His Golden Type edition demonstrates his dedication to creating visually stunning pages that transport readers back to an era when books were true works of art. Illustrations played a crucial role in many Kelmscott publications. In particular, their edition of Geoffrey Chaucer's works features captivating artwork that enhances the reading experience. These illustrations have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences even today. Perhaps one of Kelmscott Press's most iconic creations is "The Kelmscott Chaucer. " With its special binding designed by William Morris himself in 1896 (1901), it stands as a testament to his mastery as both an artist and craftsman.