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MSS 16946, Catherine Weller commonplace book, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.
This collection has been minimally processed and is open for research.
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.
This collection was purchased from Langdon Manor by the Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia on 29 June 2023.
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