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Publishing Archive Day

12/12/2024 / / 0 Comments

Publishing Archive Day

Last month, together with Avril Gray of the Publishing Programme and Laura Cooijmans-Keizer, the Heritage Collections Librarian, I was able to celebrate Book Week Scotland by showcasing treasures from the Edward Clark Collection, held in Merchiston Library.
This unique resource illustrates the development of book printing processes and changing styles from the earliest years of letterpress printing in Europe in the 15th century. In addition to the printing of text, items in the collection show the evolving techniques used for illustration. Woodcuts were the most commonly found in the earlier period, and the method predates the use of movable metal type. The wood blocks in the collection were used for printing playing cards, but date from the nineteenth century. By this period, other techniques were in use for book illustration, perhaps the best known being the copperplate engravings found in 18th century titles. A lesser-known highlight includes an edition of Thomas Bewick’s Birds (1825): the wood engraving of puffin proved particularly popular with visitors to the event. The introduction of the new technique of lithography in the early 19th century led to developments in colour printing of which The Poultry Book, printed by Leighton Brothers in 1853 is a splendid example.
The collection was originally gathered together for the use of apprentices in the printing industry, attending day- and block-release courses at Heriot Watt College during their training. Bringing it to life for another generation of students and staff at Napier is such a pleasure. It was transferred to Napier College, as it then was, when it took over responsibility for apprentice training in 1964. 
Abstract by  Dr H. Williams.

Edward Clark Collection: History Of Publishing

Edinburgh Napier University has been home of the Edward Clark Collection since the 1960s.  The collection showcases the history of publishing in the Western World. Edward Clark was a prominent publisher in Edinburgh in the late 19th century. The collections show the development of typography, binds and illustrations.  There is around 5000 items, some of which dates back to the 15th century.

Along with the Edward Clark Collection, our Heritage Collections encompass five other collections, and you can find more information on their webpages. 
And don’t forget, tours of Merchiston Tower, birthplace of our namesake John Napier are available.  If interested in seeing the 500-year-old tower, email heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk.
Photo of trees for National tree Week blog post

National Tree Week

25/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

National Tree Week

National Tree Week begins on November 25 and continues until December 3. It marks the start of the tree-planting season, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate trees. If possible, volunteers can join tree-planting activities organized by local groups and conservation organizations. If planting isn’t an option, consider finding some “Tree Time” to connect with nature in other ways.

Trees play essential roles in ecosystems around the world. They offer food, shelter, and habitats to many species while stabilizing eroding riverbanks. More importantly, as climate change remains a major issue, trees help mitigate it by capturing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, in their tissues and releasing oxygen.

Background

After the last Ice Age ended about 9,000 years ago, Scotland’s native trees and shrubs began to populate the landscape. Ancient oaks, Scots pines, and Caledonian pines once covered the region, but various events have reduced tree numbers over the centuries.

More than 4,000 years ago, cooler and wetter climates limited tree growth on higher ground. At the same time, woodlands were cleared for farming, a trend that has continued for centuries to make space for housing and infrastructure. In the early 20th century, World War I led to further deforestation, though the Forestry Commission, founded in 1919, aimed to restore Britain’s woods. While large pine plantations were created, conservation efforts now focus on diverse species to provide better habitats for wildlife.

In recent years, severe winter storms like Storm Arwen in 2021 caused significant tree loss in Scotland. Disease has also taken a toll, including Dutch Elm disease, which has destroyed many elms across the country.

The Future

Following devolution, the Scottish government assumed responsibility for forestry and established Scottish Forestry, focusing on native woodlands and conservation. Across Scotland, volunteers, conservation groups, and private estates are planting trees to increase biodiversity. For example, Project Laxford on the Reay Forest Estate in Sutherland aims to boost salmon numbers in the River Laxford by re-establishing trees along riverbanks. This project plans to plant one million trees to improve biodiversity and habitat health in the area.

Famous Trees

The Glen Affric Elm – The Last Ent of Affric: Known as “The Last Ent” after Tolkien’s tree creatures, this lone elm stands in Glen Affric, surviving Dutch Elm disease likely due to its remote location. Thought to be the last remnant of an ancient forest, it won Scotland’s Tree of the Year in 2019.

The Fortingall Yew: Estimated to be 5,000 years old, this yew tree in Fortingall churchyard is one of the oldest in the world. Once used in funerals, the tree is closely linked with life and resurrection, as its branches can re-root to grow anew. Over time, it has suffered damage from rituals, fires, and cuttings. In 2015, part of the tree even changed, sprouting red berries and showing signs of stress.

These trees reveal the complex ways humans impact nature, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Find out more

You can find books and articles about trees and conservation using Library Search.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Image Source: Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash

Merchiston Tower

Merchiston Tower

08/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

Merchiston Tower

In the centre of Merchiston Tower, you will find Merchiston Tower.

Bang in the middle.

Have you ever wondered what’s inside? What’s its history? Wanted to peek inside?

Let us take you on a brief digital walk through the Tower in the blog post. But before we go any further, we would like to add that you can tour the Tower in person and see its 500 years of history in person for free. Email us at heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that we need at least 24 hours’ notice. Group tours are available, but no more than 15 people can attend.

 

History of Merchiston Tower

Merchiston Tower has stood firm for over 500 years. Built in the middle of the 1400s, either by Andrew Napier or his son Sir Alexander Napier, both served as Provost of Edinburgh, and both moved in royal circles.

John Napier (Alexander’s grandson) was born in the Tower in 1550. Specifically, the University is named after John Napier. His inventions and contributions to Mathematics are longstanding, with his most known invention being logarithms. There is a lot of “myth, mystery, and intrigue” (John Napier napier.ac.uk) about the man, and you can read about him in a previous blog post on Edinburgh Napier University’s webpages.

The Tower remained in the Napier family until the beginning od the 1800s. It was then owned by the Merchiston Castle School, followed by Edinburgh Council. For a while, it was also a storage space for fire hoses during the Second World War. By the 1950s, the Tower was set for demolition. It was in ruined. However, in 1958, a new technical college was coming to Edinburgh. A college that needed a campus. Napier College was formed around the Tower, saving from it demolition and beginning a work of restoration. These restorations would uncover ceilings and stairwells that had been hidden for a century.

The hallway ceiling of the Tower now proudly displays the University’s crest and showcases the Tower’s timeline, a nod to the Napier family, Merchiston Castle School, and Edinburgh Council.

Napier Crest

Inside the Tower

Can’t wait to have look. Let’s go on a digital walkthrough. And while, we have lovely pictures, nothing compares in person.

The original great hall stands to the left as you enter. In this hall, you will find a stunning, decorative ceiling that was commemorated during the reign of Charles II, the decorations showcasing the Napier family’s loyalty to the crown. The massive fireplace is thought to be original to the Tower. The north and south windows are original, while, the east window dates from the 17th century. During the restoration in the 1950s, a staircase in the thick walls was found.

The once hidden staircase leads to the Boardroom that now stretches across the third and fourth floors. The fourth floor would  have been a loft area, home to servants but it has now been opened up to make the room fell bigger, and to properly showcase.

The magnificent Prestongrange Ceiling, it dates from 1581. A rare example of a Scottish Renaissance painted ceiling, it was from Prestongrange House to Merchiston Tower in 1964 for preservation purposes. The ceiling is filled with art, featuring many motifs from folk plays. Truly Unique!

 

 

 

Prestongrange ceiling

 

Merchiston Tower and John Napier

In 1550, John Napier was born in the tower house. Over 400 years later, the Tower was saved from demolition and restoration work began for a new college to be named after John Napier. Now, it stands proud in the middle of our biggest campus, home to two of our schools; School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment.

 

Doors Open Day

On the 28th of September, we opened up the Tower to the public to celebrate Doors Open Day. Our second year running, we were delighted to welcome over 180 visitors.

 

 

If you are interested in visiting Merchiston Tower in person, please get in touch by emailing heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Tours are free but are dependent on staff and room availability so will require booking in advance.

Please note that – due to the steep and uneven medieval staircases – the Tower is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the University’s Heritage Collections, have a look at our website.

Read more about the Heritage Collections

 

References

 

Merchiston Tower Edinburgh

The Napier Estate Past and Present

AI generated image of fireworks and Parliament for post Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

05/11/2024 / / 1 Comment

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

In 2018, UK consumers spent £316 million on Bonfire Night, also known as Fireworks Night or Guy Fawkes Night, according to market research company Mintel. Most of that money went up in smoke, spent on fireworks and bonfires. Fireworks displays remained the most popular way to celebrate, with 38% of the population attending an event.

The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night traces back to a 17th-century religious and political plot. In 1605, English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, planned to blow up King James and his government during Parliament’s State Opening on November 6. They aimed to install a Catholic head of state to end Catholic persecution, following years of religious strife with the Roman Church.

Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes, a minor conspirator, gained fame due to his role in guarding the explosives. After an anonymous tip-off, authorities searched the Palace of Westminster’s cellars and found him with 36 barrels of gunpowder. This discovery led to today’s ceremonial “search” of Parliament before each State Opening, carried out by the Yeoman of the Guard, who are rewarded with port.

The plot began in a pub, the Duck and Drake. Fawkes, a mercenary, was hired to ignite the gunpowder. The conspirators rented a cellar beneath the House of Lords and filled it with explosives, delaying their plan twice. Eventually, authorities discovered the plot, and Catesby was killed resisting arrest. Others were tortured, tried, and sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Fawkes escaped the full punishment by breaking his neck on his way to the scaffold.

Following news of the plot’s failure, Londoners celebrated spontaneously, lighting bonfires. A later Act of Parliament mandated annual commemorations with church services of thanksgiving, though it was repealed in 1859.

This ‘search’ continues today before every State Opening of Parliament, albeit ceremonially, with the searchers, the Yeoman of the Guard, rewarded with a glass of port.  

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picture of carved pumpkins for post A History of Halloween

A History of Halloween

31/10/2024 / / 0 Comments

A History of Halloween

Are you sitting comfortably? If so, let me begin with a fascinating history of Halloween.

People trace the origins of Halloween back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated around 2,000 years ago. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During this time, the Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. To ward off ghosts and malevolent spirits thought to roam the earth, they lit bonfires and wore costumes. Moreover, the festival provided an opportunity to honour ancestors and seek their guidance for the coming year.

As Christianity spread, followers gradually incorporated Samhain into their traditions. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a day to honour saints and martyrs. This day was soon followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, dedicated to praying for the souls of the deceased. Consequently, the Christian influence on Halloween led to the practice of trick-or-treating, which originated from the medieval practice of “souling.” In this practice, poor people went door-to-door on All Souls’ Day, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food.

Despite the Christian influence, many people continued to practise the pagan traditions and beliefs associated with Samhain, especially in Ireland and Scotland. Notably, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween to the United States in the 19th century. Today, many countries around the world celebrate Halloween, embracing various customs and traditions that reflect its diverse origins. Ultimately, the holiday has become a time for dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and indulging in sweet treats.

Halloween Traditions

The Halloween holiday, as people celebrate it in the West today, features unique traditions that have developed over time. Celebrations often include bobbing for apples, trick-or-treating, making Jack-o’-Lanterns, wearing spooky costumes, and telling scary stories.

While some of these traditions originate from ancient practices, others have adapted and evolved over time. For example, people trace the tradition of bobbing for apples back to a Roman festival honouring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture and abundance. Similarly, the practice of carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-Lanterns evolved from the original custom of carving turnips and other root vegetables. Personally, I would advise against trying to carve a turnip, as it proves nearly impossible and takes forever!

Halloween Celebrations Around the World

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on November 1st and 2nd. This vibrant festival allows families to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed away. Many believe that on these days, the souls of the departed return to the world of the living to be with their families. The holiday features colourful parades, elaborate costumes, and offerings of food and drink for the deceased. While people often compare Dia de los Muertos to Halloween, it undeniably holds its own unique traditions and cultural significance.

Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night, is a British holiday that takes place on November 5th. You can read all about it in our article here. This holiday commemorates the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his associates to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. People celebrate with bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes. While it is not directly related to Halloween, this holiday shares some similarities in its focus on fire and celebration.

World Festivals

Additionally, many countries around the world host Halloween-like festivals. Each of these festivals features unique traditions and cultural significance. In Romania, for example, people celebrate the Day of Dracula instead of Halloween. This event includes costume parties and reenactments of scenes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In Hong Kong, the Hungry Ghost Festival takes place in August and September, where families offer food and drink to appease the spirits of the dead. While these festivals may share some similarities with Halloween, they stand as distinct celebrations that reflect the unique cultural traditions of their respective countries.

Want to learn more about spooky history? Why not check out our resources on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

By Juliet Kinsey

Image: Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

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Black History Month: Joseph Knight

Black History Month: Joseph Knight

24/10/2024 / / 0 Comments

Black History Month: Joseph Knight

This October we’re celebrating Black History Month at Edinburgh Napier. And as part of this, we’d like to take a quick look at the case of Joseph Knight  v. John Wedderburn,  a historic legal case from the 1770s that saw the Scottish Court of Session officially declare that slavery laws were not applicable under the Scottish legal system.  It marked the first official condemnations of slavery to come from a court in Britain.

 

Joseph Knight

Joseph Knight was a man born in West Africa around 1750. He  was sold into slavery as a young boy and sent to the British colonies in Jamacia. As such, a great deal about his early history is unknown to us now, having been erased due to the colonialism of the era. What we do know is that when Knight was 12 or 13 years old he was purchased by a man named John Wedderburn, a plantation owner from Scotland. In a rarity for the era, Knight was taught how to read and write by Wedderburn. He planned to take Knight with him back to Scotland once he returned in 1769. In Scotland, Knight met and married Ann Thompson, another servant of the Wedderburn family. But when he asked to be able to live with her, he was refused by Wedderburn. Wanting to be with his wife, Knight left Wedderburn’s service. Wedderburn responded in a way that is reflective of the paternalistic racism of the era. Feeling that Knight owed him service due to the “gift” of education that he bestowed upon Knight and angered by what he saw as the loss of his property, Wedderburn had Knight arrested.  A court in Perth ruled that Knight was to be considered Wedderburn’s property as per his slave contract. However, the Sheriff of Perth, a man named John Swinton, argued that the slavery laws of Jamaica, where Knight was purchased, held no sway over Scots Law.  Knight should now be considered a free man in Scotland.

Court Battle

Following the ruling, Wedderburn launched a second appeal to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, the highest civil court in Scotland. He argued that Knight’s slave contract was still in effect and that Wedderburn had the right to separate Knight from his family and take him back to Jamaica. The case rested on Scotland’s ties to the British Empire and its slave trade. Wedderburn’s lawyers argued that Scotland had greatly benefitted from the slave trade, with the so-called “Tobacco Lords” of Scotland bringing a great deal of money to the country. As such, Wedderburn felt that it was in Scotland’s financial interests  to give preference to the laws of slave colonies.
Knight’s case rested on the argument that the laws of slavery were unnatural and unjust and that Scotland could not be expected to uphold such laws just because they were in place elsewhere. Furthermore, it was argued that Knight should be protected under Scottish laws against unlawful imprisonment. They cited a similar English court case in 1772, Somerset v Stewart, which declared that the institution of slavery was never formally protected under the law, arguing that this meant that slaves brought to Scotland were not beholden to their slave contracts.

Court Decision

After deliberating on the arguments, the twelve judges in the Court of Sessions voted eight to four in favour of Knight. They officially ruled that the slave laws of the colonies were not recognised under Scots Law, and in fact, were incompatible with the principles that Scottish laws were founded upon. One of the judges of the Court of Sessions, Alexander Boswell, was quoted as saying:

“Is a man a slave because he is black? No. He is our brother, and this is a man. Although not our colour, he is in a land of liberty, with his wife and child, let him remain there.”

It was a landmark ruling in the history of the Scottish legal system, resulting in what is one of the first legal rulings against slavery. The case struck a  blow to the institution of the British slave trade and is now looked on as a significant case in the cause to abolish slavery.

By Matthew Ferrie

Please visit Black History Month.Org

Library and Black History Month 2024

Photo by Wesley Tingey

John Napier bronze bust at Merchsiton.

History of Napier

08/07/2024 / / 0 Comments

History of Napier

Ever wonder how the name Napier in Edinburgh Napier University? Ever wonder about the old tower on Merchiston Campus? Or the statue placed by the tower? Well, wonder no more.  We are going to look at the History of Napier.

John Napier

John Napier, eighth Laird of Merchiston, was born in Merchiston Tower in Edinburgh in 1550. He died in Merchiston Tower in 1617, the very tower that stands in the centre of Merchiston Campus.

John Napier is most ‘famous for his contributions to the world of Mathematics. His invention of logarithms decoded previously unexplored complexities within mathematics and inspired contemporaries, as well as future generations, to pursue and realise their own academic achievements in many fields of scientific inquiry. His later introduction of a series of calculating devices ensured mathematics was applied to common use and enabled the development of entrepreneurialism’ (Napier.ac.uk/ourHistory)

Today, logarithms are an internal part of Science, Engineering and Computing.

Napier’s dedication to the Protestant Faith is well-documented and it is suggested by some historians that he considered his book Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St John as his finest work.  It is his interpretation of the Protestant Christian Bible’s Book Revelation.  A time of change in Scotland including the dethronement of Mary, Queen of Scots and the coronation of James VI.

John Napier also had a number of other inventions including Machines of War and Archimedes Screw (one of the earliest hydraulic machines) and Common Salts.

John Napier died in 1617, nearly 350 years later, Edinburgh Napier University began it’s journey.

Edinburgh Napier University

Our foundations go all the way back to the 16th century. But in the last five decades has seen us grow into a globally renowned institution. Opened our doors as Napier Technical College in 1964, welcoming 800 students. To now, home to over 19500 students from over 140 countries. In 1992, Napier is officially inaugurated as a University. Lord James Douglas Hamilton and Principal William Turmeau unveil the new University sign at Merchiston.

In 2024, Edinburgh Napier wins the 2024 Higher Educational Institution of the Year.

At Edinburgh Napier University, we believe in the importance of making a difference. While we’ve risen in rankings and grown in scope over the years, we’ve stayed true to our heritage as an applied technical institution. For our students and researchers, this means that learning and discovery don’t just take place in the lab or the classroom, it happen in the real world.

We’ve come a long way from 1550.

A timetable of Edinburgh Napier University.

Read about our Heritage

 

Lest we forget
War Poets Collection re-launch event. Projections on the old Craiglockhart building by Double Take Projections.

‘Lest we forget’: Armed Forces Day 29 June 2024

29/06/2024 / / 0 Comments

‘Lest we forget’: Armed Forces Day 29 June 2024

On the last Saturday of June every year, Armed Forces Day emerges as an annual day-long commemoration of the service carried out by those within the Armed Forces community. As well as promoting vast recognition and awareness of the sacrifices they have made and the service they have provided in past wars and wartimes. It also fosters a national appreciation of the work they continue to do today. All throughout the year, the Armed Forces community works not only to provide national security and promote peace. They also offer national and foreign aid when needed, deal with drug smuggling and trafficking instances, and combat terrorism on both a national and global scale.

 

Showing our appreciation and support for the Armed Forces significantly boosts morale within the Armed Forces community. Both for the veterans, current personnel and their families. There is an abundance of opportunities as well in which individuals, society, organisations, and institutions can express and demonstrate their support. You can learn more about how to show your support on the Armed Forces Day webpage: Get Involved – Armed Forces Day.

 

Lest We forget: Our War Poets Collection…

 

Craiglockhart War Hospital hosted more than 1800 officers from the First World War suffering from shellshock and various other casualties which emerged from some of the horrific experiences they encountered in the trenches. This building now forms part of one of the three campuses of Edinburgh Napier University and hosts our War Poets Collection Exhibition.

This collection is made up of just over 800 different items and archival materials, including poetic works from former soldiers including Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. A signed copies of first-edition books, and three original issues of the famous Hydra magazine. What is so unique and interesting about this collection is that most of the materials and items give a very deep and informative insight into the social and personal experiences of those who served in and lived through the First World War. The accounts and perspectives provided by soldiers, medical staff, and families of the military community during these times bring to light the raw and very real experiences and hardships which they lived through.

 

Starting this year with a new yearly-recurring feature for Armed Forces Day, we will highlight a different member of the Armed Forces community who was linked to Craiglockhart War Hospital. First up is:

 

Lest we forget: Captain James Edgar Leach VC (1894-1958)…

James Edgar Leach VC, like the soldier poets Wilfred Owen and Seigfried Sassoon, was a patient at the Craiglockhart War Hospital and had served as a sergeant in the First World War. A document written by his granddaughter Felicity, who conducted some recent research about his life, forms a significant part of our War Poet’s Collection. It serves as a memorial of remembrance of his life, achievements, and experiences during the war.

James Edgar Leach VC was noted to have been born on the 27th of July 1894 at Bowerham Barracks, Lancaster. His father, James Leach, was also noted to have been “a Colour Sergeant with the King’s Own Royal Regiment.”

 

It seems that James Leach VC followed a similar path to his father and was eventually promoted to sergeant himself during the War. His courage and distinguished conduct in the First Battle of the Aisne played a huge part in helping him achieve this promotion. On 29 October 1914, he and Sergeant John Hogan were also awarded the Victoria Cross for demonstrating bravery, resilience and effective forward-planning and strategy. When serving for the 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment on the field and assigned to the unit on the Western Front. The announcement made in the London Gazette, 22 December 1914, notes their “conspicuous bravery near Festubert on 29 October”. There they  decided after two failed attempts at recapture to “recover the trenches themselves” on the afternoon. They were also said to have worked “from traverse to traverse at close quarters with great bravery”. And eventually regained possession successfully, having held their ground even when faced with heavy shelling. The Victoria Cross is recognised as the highest. It is the most reputable award for showing valour against their opponents on the battlefield.

 

James Leach VC eventually went on to receive the rank of Captain. The Victoria Cross which he was awarded can be found on display inside the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.  Located within the Imperial War Museum in London. More information can be found on the Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes | Imperial War Museums webpage.

 

Felicity, upon visiting the former Craiglockhart War Hospital, has described that this visit made her feel a “closer connection” to her grandfather James Edgar Leach VC. She also noted the ambience of the building. Particularly within the long corridor alongside the War Poets Collection and the Rivers Suite, which she described as “impressive.” And then implied that it had brought to life an image in her mind of what the building may have looked like over a century ago. She described how the doors in front of the War Poets Collection opening “on to the former main entrance to the hospital”. And the “beautiful black and white tiled flooring” made her feel like she was “walking in her grandfather’s footsteps.”

 

Based on Felicity’s description of visiting our War Poets Collection, it was a very moving and reflective experience. Both the building itself and the range of archival materials and items detailing the personal experiences and hardships faced by many patients of the Craiglockhart War Hospital. It all brought to life the very real horrors of the First World War. And sacrifices made by the veterans, their families, and the Armed Forces community.

 

You can view all the War Poets Collection items and materials through LibrarySearch. The collection itself can also be visited and consulted during general Craiglockhart campus hours. Our Exhibition and Visiting webpage also has more information. Felicity’s written document about her grandfather can also be read in full in the War Poets Collection exhibition area.

 

By Rachel Downie

Learn more about the War Poet Collection. 

And you can read previous posts to learn more about the collection. 

Edward Clark Collection

World Book Day: Edward Clark Collection

07/03/2024 / / 0 Comments

World Book Day: Edward Clark Collection

As it is World Book Day, we thought we could take the opportunity to write about our beloved Edward Clark Collection. What is the Edward Clark Collection you may ask or why is it relevant to World Book Day? Well, let’s begin:

Edward Clark Collection

The Edward Clark Collection is based at Merchiston Campus. It is part of our Hertiage Collections/Archives. We have been custodians of the collection since 1964.  It is one of the only two surviving examples of what was once a widespread phenomenon in Britain: printers’ libraries. The other survivor is St Brides Library in London.

Edward Clark Collection consists of around 5000 items.

The collection concentrates on the development of typography, the techniques of printing illustrations, and fine bindings.  It includes several rare imprints and some splendid examples of typographers, printers, illustrators and binders art and craft.

It has a wide range of books throughout the years, showcasing the changes in illustrations, typography, publishing and more. We think it would be a great opportunity to highlight this collection on World Book Day.

Edward Clark

Edward Clark was born in Edinburgh, to Robert and Emma Clark on 11 December 1864. His paternal grandmother Isabel was sister to Adam Black, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh from 1843 to 1848, and a Member of Parliament from 1854 to 1865. Edward Clark  began business as a publisher in Edinburgh in 1815. And with his nephew founded the firm of A. & C. Black. Known to publish the Edinburgh Review for many years and acquired the copyright of Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Over the years, books that had publishing significance were bought in the name of Edward Clark, showing the development of publishing over the years.

Edward Clark Collection: Printers’ Libraries

The first Edinburgh printers’ library was established in 1858. The technical and reference collections continued to be used up until the end of the 19th century, after which it is not clear what happened to them. Formal educational requirements for printing apprentices were established after World War I. The Clark Collection was put together as a teaching resource, mainly in the 1930s, to illustrate printing technologies, type design and book production from the 15th century to the present day. As well as the treasures highlighted on the Collection website it is a treasure trove for the historian of print.

 

Heritage Collection:

The Edward Clark Collection is truly amazing, and we are grateful to the Heritage Collection team for all they do. Have a look at all they do here.

Any enquiries about our Heritage Collections at Napier including the War Poets and Jim Haynes, get in touch: Heritage@napier.ac.uk

Read about our previous Edward Clark Collection posts here

Picture of scrabble squares saying love for blog post A History of Valentine's Day

A History of Valentine’s Day

14/02/2024 / / 0 Comments

A History of Valentine’s Day

‍Love, Legends, and Lupercalia: A Fascinating Journey through the History of Valentine’s Day ‍

Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures. But have you ever wondered about the origins and true history of this beloved holiday?

Origins of Valentine’s Day: Lupercalia and ancient Roman traditions

To truly understand the history of Valentine’s Day, we must travel back to ancient Rome and explore the festival known as Lupercalia. Celebrated on the ides of February, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It was a raucous affair, filled with feasting, dancing, and even a unique matchmaking ritual. Young men would draw the names of young women from a jar, and the pairings would last for the duration of the festival, often leading to lasting relationships and even marriage.

But where does St. Valentine come into the picture? The connection between Lupercalia and Valentine’s Day is believed to have been established by the early Christian church. To Christianize pagan traditions. Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, commemorating the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage and continued to perform weddings in secret. Thus, the celebration of love became intertwined with the story of St. Valentine.

The legend of St. Valentine: The real story behind the holiday

The true history of St. Valentine remains shrouded in mystery, with several legends and narratives surrounding his life and martyrdom. One popular story depicts St. Valentine as a compassionate and kind-hearted man who, while imprisoned, healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, it is said that he wrote a heartfelt letter signed “Your Valentine” to the young girl, thus giving birth to the tradition of sending love letters on Valentine’s Day.

Interesting fact: Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of Epilepsy. Read more on this through Librarysearch.

However, it is important to note that the true history of St. Valentine is still a subject of debate among historians, and the details of his life may forever remain elusive. Nevertheless, the legend of St. Valentine has played a significant role in shaping the holiday we know and cherish today.

Valentine’s Day cards

Valentine’s Day cards, also known as “valentines,” have become synonymous with the holiday, but their origins can be traced back to the 15th century. It was during this time that handwritten love notes and tokens of affection began to gain popularity in Europe. These early valentines were often intricate and ornate, adorned with lace, ribbons, and even locks of hair. They were exchanged between lovers, friends, and family members as a heartfelt expression of love and admiration.

As the printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated, the production of valentines became more widespread. In the 19th century, mass-produced Valentine cards became readily available, making it easier for people to express their affection to loved ones. These cards featured elaborate designs, sentimental verses, and whimsical illustrations, capturing the essence of romance and enchantment.

The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day

In the 20th century, Valentine’s Day transformed from a simple celebration of love to a commercialized extravaganza. The rise of the printing industry, advancements in technology, and the growth of consumer culture all contributed to the commercialisation of the holiday. Retailers seized the opportunity to capitalize on the emotions associated with Valentine’s Day, marketing everything from chocolates and flowers to jewellery and extravagant gifts.

As the holiday gained popularity, it became increasingly intertwined with popular culture, with movies, songs, and advertisements promoting the idea of lavish and grand gestures. Today, Valentine’s Day is a multi-billion dollar industry, with couples and singles alike participating in the festivities, whether through romantic dinners, gift exchanges, or simply expressing love and appreciation for those closest to them.

Valentine’s Day traditions around the world: Exploring unique customs and celebrations

While Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries, each culture has its own unique traditions and customs associated with the holiday. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for women to express their affection by giving chocolates to men. However, it is not only romantic love that is celebrated. On February 14th in Finland, for example, Valentine’s Day is known as “Friendship Day,” a time to honour and cherish friendships.

In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is not limited to a single day but is celebrated over an entire month. On February 14th, women give chocolates to men, and on March 14th, known as “White Day,” men reciprocate by giving gifts to women. These diverse traditions remind us that love is a universal language, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing people together.

Valentine’s isn’t just for couples! Don’t forget you can share the love with anyone, from family to friends (personally I love to celebrate Galentine’s Day with my friends). Whether you embrace the commercialised aspects of the holiday or opt for a more meaningful celebration, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder to cherish and appreciate the people we hold dear.

Resources

Want to deep dive into all things romance? Why not check out an entire Journal dedicated to the subject: The Journal of Romance Studies. Alternatively, get comfy on the sofa with a wealth of romantic movies all freely available through Box of Broadcasts.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read about how wonderful your Library is here on the blog with our posts on “love your Library”

Image Source: Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

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