The Special Printed Collections include many fine and trade bindings of English and European origin dating from the 15th century to the present day. Nineteenth- and early 20th-century binders such as Zaehnsdorf, Riviere, Sangorski & Sutcliffe, Ramage, and Bedford are strongly represented. Other named binders include Kalthoeber, Payne, Staggemeier, and the New Zealand binder Edgar Mansfield.
In addition to the main covering materials of calf, goat, sheep, pigskin, textile, and vellum, there are a number of other covering materials including original paper wrappers and embroidered bindings. There are also examples of gauffering, fore-edge paintings, armorial bindings, silk and leather doublures, and medieval manuscript fragments used as binding material.
More about the Turnbull Library's Special Printed Collections
Planned changes to collection access
Our collections will be relocated while the Library building in Wellington is being redeveloped. This collection will continue to be available at Archives New Zealand. However there will be a temporary closure while it is packed and moved.
We expect to finalise the dates of the relocation later in 2009. We will give you at least one month's notice of collection access changes and closures.
For more information email atl@natlib.govt.nz
Find out more about planned changes to collection access
Access items in this collection
Items can be viewed onsite in the manuscripts reading room on the first floor of the Library on weekdays. Please make prior arrangement with the Curator by phone or email so that the items you require will be ready for you.
Images of bindings are being added to catalogue records on the National Library Catalogue. To call up a list of images:
- Go to the National Library Catalogue
- Enter the term 'spc digital' in the 'Search for' box
- Select 'Call Number (Begins with)' in the 'Using' drop-down menu.
- Select the 'link to digital image' button, which appears near the end of the page.
Many other bindings are uncatalogued. For access to uncatalogued material, contact the Curator of the Special Printed Collections.
Get copies from items in this collection
You can order digital photographs and microfilm copies of items in this collection.
Photocopies are possible under certain circumstances, depending upon the physical condition of the item. Photocopies are made by Library staff.
More about copyright and usage
Get help
We can answer your enquiries in person, by letter, phone or email.
Image
Brown goatskin binding with gold-tooled dentelle border and central armorial device of Alexander H. Turnbull. Bound by Zaehnsdorf. Upper cover of The bride's tragedy, by Thomas Lovell Beddoes (London: Printed for F.C. & J. Rivington ..., 1822). Rare English Collection, Special Printed Collections, Alexander Turnbull Library.
| Contact Us | Alexander Turnbull Library collections |
|---|
