The Making Mr. Darcy: Cultural Context for the Regency Gentleman exhibit is on display in RBML 2/21/19 – 5/24/19. This exhibit was curated by Lynne M. Thomas, head of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library and Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Rare Book and Manuscript Professor.
According to RBML:
“Works selected for this exhibition illuminate how gentlemen contemporary to Jane Austen were educated, dressed, occupied themselves in work and leisure, participated in politics, and managed their love lives, providing additional context for Austen’s characterizations of gentlemen, both admirable and troublesome.”
Items going on display were transported to the Conservation Lab for minimal treatment and for the creation of display mounts, cradles, and supports. The images in the gallery below show both the exhibit preparation process and the finished displays in the RBML gallery. Case arrangements are tested many times to ensure items are displayed safely and with a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
The following five photos are test display cases:
The following seven photos are completed display cases:
