The Little Clamshells

These little clamshell cases were designed as a gift from one Grolier Club Member to two other Grolier Members.

One clamshell depicts a seaside town, perhaps in Dickens-era England, and a ship sailing proudly through calm waters. The other clamshell gives a theoretical view of the true location of the Aldine printing press in Venice. The dolphin and anchor device displayed above the door, (this location still exists today), on the rear cover there are two scholarly humanists engaged in conversation, and lastly on the spine, a nod to the abundance of printed books in the sixteenth century Venetian book trade. The interior of both clamshells reveals a warm burgundy archival cloth.

Clamshells constructed and bound by Felton Bookbinding Ltd. Photography by Gary William Ogle.