Like most investigatory projects, it started with a serendipitous encounter. I was using the Janet Powney collection in Special Collections and Archives back in January 2016 as part of my PhD project on Edwardian book inscriptions, when I came across a real gem: a beautiful dark brown cloth pocket book published by Thomas Nelson and Sons in 1879 and entitled The Birthday Record – A Daily Remembrancer. As I opened the book, I came across page after page of fascinating inscriptions, through which the owner had documented key moments in his life, leaving a visible trace of an absent presence that echoes through to modern day.
Special Collections and Archives / Casgliadau Arbennig ac Archifau. Showcasing Research Resources / Hyrwyddo Adnoddau Ymchwil.
This blog showcases the rare books and archives held by Special Collections and Archives, Cardiff University.