Printmaking and Bookbinding Artefacts in the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library Archive
'Printed and Bound ' is a digital archive of my ongoing creative research project exploring the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library Collection of circa 5,600 printed books and pamphlets from the early hand-press era of around 1480 through to 1900.
The library was formally founded as a reading library for the diocesan bishops in the early 18th century and built upon the collections of previous bishops of Derry, notably Ezekiel Hopkins. Later it became a library for all diocesan members.
The Derry Library books were mostly printed in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Raphoe Diocesan Library was added to the Derry collection in 1881 and dates mostly from the 18th century. Both illustrate the intellectual connections between the city and the rest of the world throughout this period of history.
The combined library is now mainly preserved in the rare book archive at the Magee campus of Ulster University, under a long-term agreement with the Diocese. A selection of books are still housed in Diocesan premises.
If we consider the books as artefacts, they can reveal insights into alternative histories and provide us with a deeper understanding of traditional printmaking, book history in Britain and Ireland and the larger European printing trade.
This website will provide the first online access to the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library Collection, widening public and scholarly access on a local, national and international basis.
This study will focus on the traces of women involved in the printing trade. It seeks to use archival and arts-based research methods to explore the hand-made elements and more elusive narratives within in the collection.
As a creative work-in-progress I welcome any relevant contributions and seek to inspire and embrace creative collaborations.
Please contact: mcmenamin-g2@ulster.ac.uk
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