Douglas Cockerell Fine Bindings Collection

About the Collection

The Dalhousie collection of fine bindings by Douglas Cockerell consists of ten full leatherbound books, one folio size full leather pamphlet case; one full leather slipcase and one book cloth bound volume.  All the leather books are in rich brown, green, red or blue morocco leather with the base colour being carefully selected to match the contents of the volume.  The clothbound volume is bound with cloth marbled with a Cockerell pattern in brown, black, gray and cream coloured inks.

The bindings were primarily designed and bound by Douglas Cockerell between 1930 and 1936 as documented by Cockerell’s binder stamp on the back cover turn ins.  Two exceptions are present. One volume was dated 1907 and reflects Cockerell’s early work when he managed the W.H. Smith Bindery. The full leather slipcase is undated. 

Five of the items bound are works by William Inglis Morse and three are bound volumes of binding descriptions compiled by Douglas Cockerell for William Morse. Three significant pre-1755 pamphlets from William Morse’s personal library  are handsomely encased in unique Cockerell fine bindings. The catalogue of items donated by William Morse to Acadia University is present in an elegant Cockerell design.  The interaction between Morse the creator and sponsor and Cockerell the compiler and craftsman resulted in the creation of handsome fine bindings that enhance the reading experience. Through the means of this digital exhibit, we are able to share the results of the sublime collaboration between William Morse and Douglas Cockerell.