Highlights of the Exhibition
The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Bible Collection
at
Bridwell
Library
1996-2006
September 7-November 18, 2006
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collection
was one of the finest private collections of Bibles in existence. The
predominance of Bibles in the Prothro Collection reflects Mrs. Prothro’s
lifelong love of Scripture, while the fineness and rarity of the volumes
reveal a connoisseur’s appreciation of rare books. Bridwell hosted the first exhibit showcasing this
collection in 1966. More than fifteen years ago, these books provided
the inspiration for the inaugural exhibition in the Elizabeth Perkins
Prothro Galleries in 1990. At least one of the treasures in this
collection appears in virtually every exhibition held at Bridwell
Library.The Bible holds a unique place in the history of the book. From the outset, the preferred format for the Bible was the codex, the “book” that lines bookshelves today. Among its many roles, the Bible has served as the cornerstone of private and public devotion, as the instrument of missionaries, and as a barometer of literacy. The Bible exists in virtually every language, and in every part of the world. The format is infinitely varied, but the contents remain fundamentally unchanged. The selection exhibited in the Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Galleries highlights artistically and historically significant volumes from the Middle Ages through the Twentieth Century, chosen for their ability to illustrate the interplay between Sacred Writ, society, scholarship and art.
THE ELIZABETH PERKINS PROTHRO BIBLE COLLECTION:
A THEMATIC AND CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
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