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Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection

 Collection
Identifier: edlba

Scope and Contents

Each piece of Ellen Dorn Levitt’s collection is unique in size, shape, and style. The bulk of her collection includes bound book arts projects, including student-sized examples, and samples.

The collection also includes issues of publications Levitt was involved with, including the Lyndon Institute’s literary magazine Janus, and a wide variety of instructional aids, information, and materials used in her art courses. Most of the completed book arts projects have a corresponding folder of such additional material. This material includes sample papers, binding examples, and disassembled book pieces.

These books utilize a number of artistic techniques, styles, and mediums. Many were completed in conjunction with courses Levitt taught, in collaboration with her students and/ or colleagues. Many of her residency proposals and syllabi are included in the additional materials for each book. Some items include an introduction explaining the scope and purpose of particular projects.

Dates in the inventory reflect the dates recorded on a listing supplied by the donor. Many of the individual items are also noted with a date of creation.

A similar collection is held at was donated to the University of Vermont Libraries, and the University of Vermont hosted an exhibit in Ellen Dorn Levitt’s honor in 2014. The collection contains exhibit labels and advertising materials from this exhibit.

Dates

  • ca. 1998 - 2014

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted. Request access at the Research Help Desk of the Decker Library between 12-6 p.m. on Saturday through Thursday and 12-4:30 p.m. on Friday, weekdays, or email refer@mica.edu to make an appointment

Biographical / Historical

Ellen Dorn Levitt was born in 1947 in Lakewood, NJ. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) from 1965-1969. Levitt dedicated her life’s work to a variety of artistic and creative endeavors, though much of her work revolved around teaching art, book arts, and book making, with a considerable amount of her professional career being spent at Lyndon Institute. Ellen was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013, and passed away in 2014.

Extent

4.33 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection consists of materials used by Ellen Dorn Levitt in her career as a book artist and book making instructor, highlighting her time at Lyndon Institute in Vermont. The collection includes Levitt’s completed books, some in collaboration with students or other colleagues, sample books, instructional aids (such as sewing/ binding patterns and directions), and various book arts program proposals. These materials are complemented with correspondence from Levitt’s friend and fellow instructor, Linda Lembke, periodical articles, Levitt’s publications, and several photographs. Some of her projects are original, while others (where noted) are photocopies or duplicates of original work.

Arrangement

Alphabetically by title of bound book, project, or subject matter, and grouped by size. The journal Janus is housed separately.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Linda Lembke and Mark Levitt, 2015.

Related Materials

A parallel collection is held by the University of Vermont Libraries.

Title
Ellen Dorn Levitt Book Arts Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Veronica Lathroum
Date
2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Decker Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 West Mount Royal Avenue
Baltimore MD 21217 U.S.A.
410-225-2273