The National Library of Wales
World Book Day – Edward S Curtis’s photos of American Indians
Mon, 01 Mar 10 15:13:00
Of course, every day is world book day at the National Library of Wales, but this year, as in the past, the Library will take part in the global celebration of books. The prime exhibit for World Book Day on 4 March will be a fantastic collection of photographs of ‘first nation’ people of the USA.
The photographs are to be found in the beautiful volume called ‘The North American Indian’ by the famous American photographer, Edward S. Curtis.
Henry Blackwell, New York, presented these limited edition volumes to The National Library of Wales on the occasion of the laying of the Library's foundation stone by King George V, 15 July 1911. The series consists of 20 volumes, together with 20 folios of photographs, which record the Indians of the United States of America and Alaska. They are an important record of the traditions and way of life of the Native Americans. The volumes themselves are big; 32.5cm in length by 26cm in width and 5cm in thickness.
They will be on display at the Library’s old Main Entrance Hall throughout the week. A further example of these books can be seen as a part of our current exhibition Say Cheese! Portraits of the Welsh in the Library's Gregynog Gallery. Free admission.
As part of the World Book Day celebrations, Ysgol Dihewyd primary school will also visit the Library. They will learn to enjoy and compose poetry in the company of Twm Morys, Bardd Plant Cymru - the Welsh children's poet laureate.
Links
Further Information
Siôn Jobbins, NLW press office: 01970 632 902 post@llgc.org.uk
