Ars Omnia Tuetur: 25 Years of Fine Printing at the Thornwillow Press

An Introduction to the Exhibit

By Ronald D. Patkus, Associate Director of the Libraries for Special Collections

In recent years the Archives & Special Collections Library at Vassar College has been developing its collection of materials produced by local book arts organizations and artists. The most recent addition to this collection is the output of the Thornwillow Press, located in Newburgh, New York. Thornwillow Press was founded in 1985 by Luke Ives Pontifell, who today serves as president and publisher. In the 25 years that the press has operated, it has produced a wide variety of limited edition books by significant authors that demonstrate the crafts of letterpress printing, papermaking, illustration, and bookbinding. The press has gained a reputation as one of the key private presses functioning in the United States today. The exhibit in the library celebrates the quarter century of Thornwillow work by displaying all of the books that have been produced in this time period. We hope those viewing the exhibit will enjoy learning more about the press and fine printing in general. For more information, please feel free to contact the library.