Belle da Costa Greene and the European Book Trade

In 1905, Belle da Costa Greene (1879-1950) was hired by J. P. Morgan to work in his growing library in New York. Greene dedicated the rest of her life to the Morgan Library, serving it during the lifetimes of Morgan and his son. When the library was opened to the public Greene became its first director, but even before this she had played a central role in shaping its holdings of rare books and manuscripts. 

In 2024-25 a major exhibition at the Morgan Library aims to re-evaluate Greene's life, work, and impact. Many of the books that the Morgan Library acquired were obtained from Europe, either during Greene's visits or sent to New York by European booksellers for her approval or rejection. Extensive correspondence documents Greene's activities and sheds light on the networks through which information about books, collectors, dealers and trade gossip circulated. 

This study day will explore Greene's relationship with members of the European book trade and the impact of her activities on the international market for rare books. Participants will include Philip Palmer (Morgan Library), Deborah Parker (University of Virginia), Lloyd de Beer (British Museum), Marlene Arnese, Federico Botana, Laura Cleaver, Natalia Fantetti, Danielle Magnusson, and Karen Winslow (University of London). 

Event timings:

Registration from 9.30 am

Workshop from 9.45 am to 5 pm

Reception from 6-7pm held at Bernard Quaritch Ltd. 

This event has been generously funded by the John Coffin Lecture Fund.

All welcome

This event is free, but booking is required. It will be held in-person, places are limited.