Theodore Low De Vinne: Photograph and Memorabilia Collection,
1897-1924
RLIN ID No.
NYGG01-A16
Creator
De Vinne, Theodore Low, 1828-1914.
Title
Photograph and memorabilia collection,
1897-1924 (bulk 1897-1912).
Physical
Description
1 box (l.5 linear feet)
14 photographs ; 26 cm. x 32 cm. and smaller
16 photoengravings ; 13 cm. x 18 cm. and smaller
Historical/Biographical Note
Theodore Low De Vinne (1828-1914) was apprenticed to the
printer’s trade in Newburgh, N.Y.
but came to New York City in 1848,
where he eventually became a partner in the shop of Francis Hart. On the death
of the latter in 1877, De Vinne became possessed of the business eventually
known as the De Vinne Press. He was recognized as a master printer and
developed a comprehensive knowledge of the history of typography, which he
distilled in several publications. He was a founder (1884) and president
(1904-1906) of the Grolier Club and printed most of its early publications. Active in the affairs on printer’s
organizations, De Vinne was a founder of the Typothet’ of New York City and of
the United Typothet’ of America, working in these organization to make printing
a profitable craft and to establish good relations between owners and employees.
Scope and Contents
Photographs of De Vinne and engraving of
portrait bust by Chester Beach; staff photograph of De Vinne Press (ca. 1900) and
photograph of De Vinne Press building.
Photograph of Daniel De Vinne, associated with the press, and material,
including a photograph related to Camille De Veze, master printer at the press.
De Veze material includes TLS from Elbert Hubbard. Also menus printed by the
press between 1897 and 1912 for dinners of the Aldine Club and a photocopy of
the club’s wine list.
Names
De Veze, Camille.
De Vinne, Daniel.
De Vinne, Theodore Low, 1828-1914.
Hubbard, Elbert, 1856-1915.
Aldine Club.
De Vinne Press.
Subjects
Printers. New York
(State). New York.
Genre
Photoengravings.
Photographs.
Ephemera.
Occupation (as reflected in collection)
Printers. New York
(State). New York.
Location
Grolier Club, 47 East 60th
Street, New York, N.Y.
10022-1098.
Collection Inventory
I. Aldine Club
Dinner menus. Miscellaneous years 1897-1912. Photocopy of club wine list.
II. De Veze, Camille
(master printer at De Vinne Press)
Photograph of CDV
Greeting from De Vinne Press Chapel, 1924
TLS from Elbert Hubbard to CDV. 22 October 1913. 1 p.
Miscellaneous items
III. De Vinne, Thodore Low Images (mounted
and unmounted)
Photoengraving of portrait bust of TLDV by Chester
Beach (commissioned as a
testamonial from the
United Typothet’ of America. 8 unsigned copies. 1 signed.
Photographic portraits. 3 images (10 items)
3 miscellaneous photographs
IV. Related De Vine Press Images
DeVinne, Daniel. 1 photographic portrait
Press building. Corner view (reproduction of drawing of
entrance)
Staff photograph (TLDV at right, second row); 3 versions of
same image. N. d. (ca. 1900)
Union Square
Dodgers. 1 photoprint (reproduction of ca.1900 print)
Negatives of some of the photographs of De Vinne and related
images (15 negatives in 3 strips)
V. Miscellaneous
De Vinne Press Christmas greeting. 2 copies (in color). N.
d.