Rochester Institute of Technology – Cary Graphic Arts Collection

The Cary Graphic Arts Collection was founded in 1969 through a generous gift by Melbert B. Cary Jr., an influential figure in the printing and typographic industry. Cary was a distinguished printer, book designer, and type enthusiast who operated the Press of the Woolly Whale in New York City during the early 20th century. His passion for typography and graphic arts inspired him to amass a significant personal collection of books, type specimens, and related materials.

Following his passing, his widow, Mary Flagler Cary, donated his extensive collection to the Rochester Institute of Technology, where it became the cornerstone of what is now one of the most comprehensive graphic arts libraries in the United States.

Over the decades, the Cary Collection has expanded significantly through acquisitions, donations, and partnerships. It has grown into a leading resource for studying the history and techniques of printing, type design, and graphic communication. Today, it is housed within the RIT Wallace Library and serves as both a research center and a living laboratory for students and professionals in the graphic arts fields.

Overview of the Collections

The Cary Graphic Arts Collection comprises a diverse and meticulously curated archive that traces the history and development of graphic communication from the invention of movable type to contemporary printing technologies. Its holdings include:

Rare Books and Printing History

The Cary Collection is home to thousands of rare and significant books that document the history of printing and typography. These include:

• Early printed books (incunabula) from the 15th century, showcasing the transition from manuscript to print.
• Works by pioneering printers such as Johannes Gutenberg, Aldus Manutius, and William Caxton.
• Rare first editions and fine press books, many featuring exquisite typography and illustrations.

Type Specimen Books

The collection includes one of the largest and most comprehensive archives of type specimen books, which are catalogs showcasing typefaces and fonts produced by type foundries and designers. Highlights include:

• Specimens from notable type foundries like American Type Founders (ATF), Caslon, and Monotype.
• A rich selection of 19th and 20th-century type specimen books demonstrating the evolution of type design and advertising.
• Unique materials from type designers such as Frederic Goudy, Eric Gill, and Hermann Zapf.

Manuscripts and Archival Materials

The Cary Collection preserves manuscripts, letters, and archival documents related to the history of graphic arts. These materials provide invaluable insights into the creative processes of printers, type designers, and publishers.

Printing Equipment and Artifacts

In addition to printed materials, the Cary Collection houses historic printing presses, tools, and artifacts that reflect the technological advancements in printing. Notable items include:

• Vintage letterpress equipment used for traditional typesetting and printing.
• Tools for hand typesetting, engraving, and lithography.
• Printing plates, woodblocks, and other production materials.

Graphic Arts Ephemera

The Cary Collection includes a wide range of graphic arts ephemera, such as posters, advertisements, trade cards, and brochures. These materials document the role of graphic design and visual communication in commerce, culture, and politics.

The Poster Collections

One of the highlights of the Cary Graphic Arts Collection is its poster archive, which showcases the evolution of poster design as both an art form and a medium for communication. Posters have long served as a powerful tool for advertising, propaganda, and artistic expression, and the Cary Collection captures this rich history through its carefully curated holdings.

Scope and Content

The Cary Collection’s poster archive spans over a century of visual design, encompassing:

• Commercial Advertising Posters: These include posters promoting products, services, and events, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries when lithographic printing revolutionized poster production. Examples feature early American and European advertisements for consumer goods, travel, and entertainment.
• Theatrical and Entertainment Posters: The collection includes posters for plays, films, concerts, and exhibitions. Highlights include works by prominent poster artists of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, such as Alphonse Mucha and Jules Chéret.
• Political and Propaganda Posters: Posters from World War I and World War II, as well as materials from social movements, reflect the medium’s role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for political causes.
• Typographic Posters: Given the Cary Collection’s focus on typography, many posters emphasize type as a central design element. These include modernist and experimental designs that highlight the artistic possibilities of letterforms and layout.

Artistic and Historical Significance

The poster collection at the Cary Graphic Arts Collection provides a unique lens into the intersection of art, commerce, and communication. The posters serve as a visual record of changing design trends, cultural norms, and technological advancements in printing.

1. The Belle Époque and Art Nouveau: Posters from the late 19th century reflect the influence of Art Nouveau, characterized by flowing lines, decorative elements, and vibrant colors. Artists like Mucha and Toulouse-Lautrec elevated posters to a legitimate art form during this era.

2. Art Deco and Modernism: Posters from the 1920s and 1930s showcase the sleek, geometric styles of Art Deco and the functional simplicity of modernist design. These works often used bold typography, striking visuals, and limited color palettes.

3. Propaganda and Social Movements: Political posters demonstrate the power of graphic design to convey messages and mobilize populations. The Cary Collection includes examples of wartime propaganda, civil rights posters, and activist materials.

4. Typographic Innovation: Many posters in the collection reflect groundbreaking typographic experiments, where designers pushed the boundaries of type as both a functional and artistic element.

Access to the Poster Collection

The poster archive is accessible to researchers, students, and the public through appointments and exhibitions. The Cary Collection frequently curates displays featuring highlights from the poster collection, providing context on their historical and artistic importance.

The Cary Collection’s Educational Role

The Cary Graphic Arts Collection is not just an archive—it is also a center for education and research. Its resources play a critical role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in graphic communication.

Engaging Students and Scholars

As part of RIT, the Cary Collection supports academic programs in graphic design, print media, book arts, and visual communication. Students have the unique opportunity to work directly with rare materials, learning about the history of typography, printing techniques, and design principles.

Workshops and Lectures

The Cary Collection hosts workshops, lectures, and seminars on topics related to graphic arts. These programs are led by experts in the field and cover subjects such as letterpress printing, bookbinding, and typographic design.

Collaborative Projects

The collection collaborates with artists, designers, and scholars to produce publications, exhibitions, and creative projects. These initiatives highlight the collection’s relevance to contemporary design and artistic practices.

Significance of the Cary Graphic Arts Collection

The Cary Collection is globally recognized for its contributions to the study and preservation of graphic communication. Its significance lies in:

1. Preserving Graphic Arts Heritage: The collection safeguards rare and valuable materials that document the history of printing, typography, and design.

2. Advancing Scholarship: By providing access to primary sources and research materials, the Cary Collection supports scholarly work in graphic design, book history, and visual culture.

3. Inspiring Future Generations: Through hands-on learning and educational programs, the collection inspires students and practitioners to explore the legacy of graphic arts and push the boundaries of contemporary design.

4. Showcasing Visual Communication: The collection highlights the enduring importance of posters, type, and printing in shaping how we communicate, advertise, and express ideas.

Website: https://www.rit.edu/carycollection/