Ink : an exhibition

As part of the Library’s reflections on its environmental impact, the staff have been looking at the ecological costs of printing – and its past and potential links with the natural world.

This exhibition includes the world’s first algae-printed book, ink made on-site from Kentish oak galls, and a rare example of Victorian ‘nature printing’.

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The nature-printed British sea-weeds: a history, accompanied by figures and dissections of the Algae of the British Isles

WG Johnstone & A Croall, (London, 1859)

The nature-printed British sea-weeds: a history, accompanied by figures and dissections of the Algae of the British Isles

WG Johnstone & A Croall, (London, 1859)

Boulder Guide Book

patagonia, (Boulder, CO, 2019). Printed with algae-ink. With thanks to D&K Printing.

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Origins: a sustainable print production primer

D&K Printing, (Boulder, CO, [n.d.]). With thanks to D&K Printing.

Origins: a sustainable print production primer

D&K Printing, (Boulder, CO, [n.d.]). With thanks to D&K Printing.

Iron oak gall ink with goose quill.

This ink was made on-site in a workshop lead by Sara Charles where students and Library staff tried their hands at making medieval-style iron gall ink and learned about its place in medieval bookmaking and manuscript culture.

Curated by Dr Matthew Shaw, College Librarian

With thanks to D&K Printing.