2009-10 VCU Libraries Exhibits
The Extraordinary Alan Moore
Alan Moore (1953-) is highlighted in this exhibit. The British writer is most famous for his influential graphic novels including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The exhibit uses comic books, graphic novels, and other materials by or about Alan Moore from the library's Comic Arts Collection housed in Special Collections and Archives. Learn more about the writer from the Alan Moore Fan Site or by visiting Special Collections and Archives and reading the extensive collection of works held by the library. |
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Islamic Minature Paintings
Between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, Miniature Portraits in the Islamic World were produced. They were intimate, colorful, and intricately detailed paintings that depicted the pleasures of courtly life. The paintings also served as historical documents because they recorded important events in the lives of rulers.Calligraphy frequently accompanied miniature portraits, especially in albums depicting famous epics. The height of each portrait ranged from four inches to one foot. The books in this exhibit are part of a collection of art books collected by Dr. Jane Gaston Mahler (1906- ), a former art history professor at VCU. The Art History Department donated the collection to Cabell Library in the 1970s. Dr. Mahler was co-author of History of World Art (1949), an early survey text on |
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The Life and Works of Mary Johnston (1870-1936)
Richmond's Mary Johnston is shown here in a 1901 photograph taken shortly after the success of her second novel, To Have and To Hold. In addition to showcasing her many novels, this exhibit includes resources about the life of Richmond's Mary Johnston (1870-1936), a successful writer who played an active part in the suffrage movement in Virginia. Three of Johnston's books were adapted to film. Audrey was made into a silent film of the same name in 1916 and her blockbuster work To Have and to Hold was made into a silent film in 1918 and again in 1922. Pioneers of the Old South was adapted to film in 1923 under the title Jamestown. |
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Slavery and Reconstruction in Richmond, Virginia
This exhibit coincided with VCU Libraries' Black History Month Lecture entitled "The Physical Presence of Slavery in Richmond, Virginia." The February 10, 2009 event was a discussion featuring Dr. Jeffrey Ruggles, curator of prints and photographs at the Virginia Historical Society, Dr. Maureen G. Elgersman Lee, executive director of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, and Delegate Delores McQuinn, who has been a leader in the Richmond Slave Trail Commission. The exhibit incorporates digital reproductions of many 19th century Richmond prints housed in Special Collections and Archives. This image is of a Richmond slave auction published in the Illustrated London News in 1956. |
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Photography and Typography Annuals
Two exhibit cases illustrate just some of the many art annuals housed in Special Collections and Archives. |
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Black History Month
Black History Month exhibition includes materials on African American History including works published by or about Oliver W. Harrington (1912-1995), considered one of the greatest African American cartoonists. |
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Bicentennial of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
This exhibit is a celebration of the work of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) who was born 200 years ago on January 19, 1809. Born in Boston, Poe grew up in Richmond. The exhibit showcases a variety of materials related to Poe held by Special Collections and Archives including books by and about the writer. The exhibit includes color reproductions from the Southern Literary Messenger published in Richmond. Poe wrote and edited for the magazine from 1835 to 1837. Special Collections and Archives holds a large run of original copies of the Messenger. "Incredible Mr. Poe: Edgar Allan Poe in the Comics" - image of the cover of the exhibition catalog of the exhibit at the Poe Museum in Richmond. |
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