Cushing Library Acquires Bernhardt Wall Collection

The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives has acquired a significant collection relating to artist and historian, Bernhardt Wall (1872-1956).  A pioneer etcher and producer of fine press books, Wall treated a vast array of subjects, including Texas and the Southwest.  Historians of fine press printing have compared him to William Blake.  The collection was acquired in honor of the 90th birthday of Dr. Mavis P. Kelsey, class of 1932, for whom the Mary and Mavis P. Kelsey Reading Room is named.

Built by collector Natalie Williams of Marshall, Texas, the collection includes correspondence between Williams and Wall, as well as photographs, original drawings, etchings (some showing cancelled plates), newspaper clippings, postcards, books, and other Walliana.  The letters concern Wall's printmaking and publishing activities and provide a unique glimpse into his personal and professional concerns.

Mentioned significantly in the letters is Wall's friend and mentor, the master printer and paper historian Dard Hunter.  Among the books is the first of only eight trial copies of The Odyssey of the Etcher of Books, as well as Following General Sam Houston, The Invitation to Gettysburg, and Windjammer.

"Bernhardt Wall was passionate about every detail of his craft.  This collection is important in part because it documents that devotion to craft.  It is a fitting tribute to our esteemed donors Mary and Mavis P. Kelsey not just because it complements the materials they've given to the library, but because they displayed a similar passion and devotion to detail in the building of their great collections," explained Dr. Steven Escar Smith, Cushing Library director in announcing the acquisition.  Dr. Kelsey and his late wife were leading collectors of 19th century historic prints, the history of illustration, Texas and Southwest History, and many other subjects.  The Cushing Library houses the Kelsey Americana Collection and the Kelsey Illustrators Collection.

The Wall Collection is currently being processed and cataloged by Cushing Library staff and will be the subject of a future exhibit.