New Book | Mr Kilburn’s Calicos
From WoI:
Ros Byam Shaw, “Mr Kilburn’s Calicos,” The World of Interiors (October 2014): 112–18.
A scuffed little album discovered by Gabriel Sempill among her late mother’s possessions contains exquisite watercolour patterns by the esteemed 18th-century textile designer William Kilburn. Now, a facsimile of this rare find, complete with a variety of juvenilia added by a later hand, plus modern takes on Kilburn’s repeats, is published.
Detailed pattern units from William Kilburn’s
album, as a composite image.
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
From Fleece Press:
Gabriel Sempill and Simon Lawrence, Mr Kilburn’s Calicos: William Kilburn’s Fabric Printing Patterns from the Year 1800 (London: Fleece Press, 2014), ISBN: 978-0992741051, £175.
Printed, bound and published at breakneck speed to coincide with The World of Interiors’ extensive feature on this book (October 2014 issue, with five pages reproduced), this is the full reproduction of a very important pocket book once owned by the great fabric designer and printer, William Kilburn (1745–1818). Hitherto known only for his highly elaborate and sumptuous chintz designs which are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, this pocket book includes 62 basic units for patterns which could be built up and repeated on a larger scale for dress material. It is a most exciting find, and Kilburn included notes of variant colourways and orders; the notebook’s subsequent use by a great grandson as a child’s scrapbook ensured its survival.
The book comprises a letterpress introduction, with the entire notebook being reproduced in the second half. There is a separate booklet of 16 patterns printed full-page, made up from Kilburn’s original units by Sholto Drumlanrig, and both the book and booklet are housed in a solander box. There are three variant bindings of quarter cloth with one of three different Kilburn patterned papers over boards.
Fellowships | Newberry Library, 2015–2016
The Newberry Library Fellowships in the Humanities, 2015–2016
Applications due by 1 December 2014 (Long-Term) and 15 January 2015 (Short-Term)
Newberry Library, Chicago (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
The Newberry’s fellowships support humanities research in our collections. Our collections are wide-ranging, rich, and sometimes a little eccentric. If you study the humanities, chances are good we have something for you. We promise you remarkable collections; a lively interdisciplinary community of researchers; individual consultations on your research with staff curators, librarians, and scholars; and an array of scholarly and public programs. Applicants may apply for both Long- and Short-Term fellowships within one academic year. All applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Newberry’s online catalog and collection guides before applying.
Long-Term Fellowships
Long-Term Fellowships are intended to support individual scholarly research and promote serious intellectual exchange through active participation in the Newberry’s scholarly activities. Applicants must hold a PhD at the time of application in order to eligible. Applicants may apply for 4 to 12 months of support, with a stipend of $4,200 per month.
Short-Term Fellowships
Short-Term Fellowships are available to postdoctoral scholars, PhD candidates, and those who hold other terminal degrees. Most fellowships are restricted to scholars who live and work outside the Chicago Metro area. Short-Term Fellowships are generally awarded for one continuous month in residence at the Newberry, with stipends of $2,500 per month. Applicants must demonstrate a specific need for the Newberry’s collection.
Enfilade 
leave a comment