Wisconsin Historical Society Floor Mosaic | Historical Object | Wisconsin Historical Society

Historical Object

Wisconsin Historical Society Floor Mosaic

Wisconsin Historical Society Floor Mosaic | Historical Object | Wisconsin Historical Society
Mosaic in the central lobby floor of the Wisconsin Historical Society. This is the printer's mark of one the earliest English printers, William Caxton. He designed his mark in 1489. The initials "W" and "C" flank a symbol usually interpreted as the number "74," possibly referring to 1474, when printing was introduced into England.<p>The design between the initials "WC" is thought to reproduce a merchant’s mark he used before becoming a printer.</p>
DESCRIPTION
Mosaic in the central lobby floor of the Wisconsin Historical Society. This is the printer's mark of one the earliest English printers, William Caxton. He designed his mark in 1489. The initials "W" and "C" flank a symbol usually interpreted as the number "74," possibly referring to 1474, when printing was introduced into England.

The design between the initials "WC" is thought to reproduce a merchant’s mark he used before becoming a printer.

RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:125515
Creation Date:circa 1899
Creator Name:Wisconsin Historical Society
City:Madison
County:Dane
State:Wisconsin
Collection Name:State Historical Society of Wisconsin photographs, 1880-2010
Genre:Historical Object
Original Format Type:digital file
Original Format Number:1201001245
Original Dimensions:3499 X 2409 pixels
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A similar image also appears on plate 140 in State Historical Library Building, Madison, Wisconsin, a book of cyanotype prints documenting the construction of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin's headquarters building. The book was presented by Francis W. Grant, Superintendent of Construction, to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

The designs are printer's marks - the device put on their products by printers in the days when printing was a creative, highly individualized hand craft. It is uncertain just who suggested the idea which appropriately fit in with one of the society's mandates, to preserve printed documents and books concerned with the state. Ferry and Clas, the architects, adapted the designs where necessary to conform to the medium. Reuben Gold Thwaites, the executive officer of the Society at that time, supervised the design of the interior of the building and probably influenced that decision, too.

The information about Printer's Marks obtained from the Memorial volume,The State Historical Society of Wisconsin : exercises at the dedication of its new building, October 19, 1900 : together with a description of the building, accounts of the several libraries contained therein, and a brief history of the Society, edited by Rueben Gold Thwaites. Rare Book Collection Oversize, Z733 W8 W6.

SUBJECTS
Floors
Library buildings
Mosaics
Printing industry
Tile industry
Signs and symbols

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RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS
This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Historical Society Citation
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Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research Citation
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