A small college cannot hope to have a large library, but if it sets to work along the right lines it may aspire to the possession of a fine one… A book may be a thing of beauty, and an example of a great craft which we must not allow to die. The means of craft and the aspiration toward beauty live on in our College library.
Since 1963, the Robertson Davies Library at Massey College has curated distinguished collections on the history and craft of the book, with a focus on printing, illustration, typography, papermaking, and binding from the late 18th to mid-20th century.
The Robertson Davies Library features four elegant display cases dedicated to exhibitions curated by students in the BHPC Collaborative Program and Massey Fellows.
Explore a selection of rare and distinctive collections that reflect the heart and history of our library.
The library holdings include examples of book production ranging from the 15th to the 20th century but focus on the 19th century as represented in its largest collection, the McLean collection, the base of which was originally acquired from Ruari McLean (1917-2006), a British book designer and published printing, typography and graphic design historian. The Ruari McLean collection is an excellent resource for the study of 19th century printing, publisher bindings, colour printing and other graphic processes of illustration and design, including wood-engraving, lithography and chromolithography. The library hosts a teaching collection of 19th-century iron hand presses, clamshell presses, and an extensive array of type and printing materials—from wood blocks to lithographic stones and copper plates.
In 1981, the Library was named for the Founding Master, the Canadian novelist Robertson Davies, who had a particular interest in printing and the book arts and strongly supported the development of a library at Massey College. A special area of the library houses copies of most of the editions and translations of his work.
Researchers can access detailed catalogue descriptions by searching the University of Toronto Libraries online catalogue. Those interested in consulting the collections are requested to email the Librarian, Andreea Marin or call 416-978-2893.
All items in the collection are non-circulating.
The library is open by appointment only:
Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
It is closed on all University statutory holidays, and over the Winter Break at the end of the Fall Term.
Tours are free, 30 minutes long, and limited to 10 people (including the instructor). Larger groups can be split, with rare books shown to those waiting, or scheduled at a different time.
Printing demonstrations and hands-on workshops are available for a fee and tailored to your group. Topics may include letterpress printing, typesetting, iron hand presses, typography, and the history of printing.
Please arrive a few minutes early. Late arrivals are allowed but may disrupt the group. Meet your guide outside the Massey College front gate. The porter will direct you to the Bibliography Room located downstairs in the Lower Library.
For tours or inquires pertaining to the book collection, please contact our Librarian. For the upcoming school year our Lead Printer, Stephen Sword will be in Mondays and Wednesdays.
If you do not have a login, or need assistance to login, please contact adminassistant@masseycollege.ca for help.
