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Catherine "Kate" Weller commonplace book

 Unprocessed Material — Folder: ViU-2023-0163_001
Identifier: ViU-2023-0163

Content Description

This collection contains a commonplace book created by Catherine "Kate" Weller of Surrey, England. The book, dated between 1833 and 1835, includes 154 pages with sixty-four handwritten entries, ten watercolors, six other drawings, and a few ephemera items. It also has what may be a self-portrait of the author. Weller's title page is dated March 10, 1833 and the first entry is dated September 20, 1835 under the heading "My Album". The book has typical entries of commonplace books of the time, such as passages from Samuel Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, and aphorisms like Thomas Jefferson's "Ten rules to live by." Weller provided much of the text; however, there is at least five other writers, including a man identified only as "THD" commenting on bachelorhood and love. Weller's drawings capture in full-color detail, with many scenes featuring birds, florals, butterflies, a cottage, and a woman.

Acquisition Type

Purchase

Provenance

Purchased from Langdon Manor, 29 June 2023.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

No

Dates

  • Creation: 1833-1835

Creator

Extent

0.03 Cubic Feet (1 folder (letter))

Language of Materials

English

Inventory

One book