Library and Archives

Monthly Archive: December Libr

Sports et divertissements: a unique resource for researchers in design history

Posted: January 27, 2017 - 16:54 , by ROM
Portfolio cover of Sports et divertissements

Toronto based researcher, illustrator and textile artist, Ketzia Sherman, discusses the ROM Library & Archives' recent acquisition of a rare copy of Sports et divertissements, a musical score by Erik Satie with pochoir illustrations by Charles Martin, hand-coloured by Jules Saudé (Paris: Publications Lucien Vogel, [1923]).

'Globes Celestial and Terrestrial': the Science of Star-gazing

Posted: May 28, 2015 - 14:59 , by ROM
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The study of celestial bodies is one of the oldest sciences. Meticulous observations of the night sky were made by many early civilizations who used the information for various purposes, including determining the right time for planting, harvesting, ceremonial events and tides. 

"Of Angling, and the Art thereof": Fish Tails and Fish Tales

Posted: April 15, 2015 - 13:55 , by ROM
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“Of Angling, and the Art thereof I sing,

What kinde of Tooles it doth behoue to haue;

Cooking up History: Historical Recipe Books

Posted: April 1, 2015 - 14:08 , by ROM
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The cookbooks of the past provide information about diet and habits, as well as telling us which foods were expensive treats, and which were commonly available. Many of the foods that appear regularly through the centuries are not often eaten today, like pickled eel, fried lamprey, and cow-heel soup. Others are familiar, such as macaroni soup or an 1877 recipe for ‘Indian dal’. 

Meet Miss Martin: Behind the Scenes at the ROM Library & Archives

Posted: March 31, 2015 - 11:31 , by ROM
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Ella Martin displays an artifact. ROM Archives SC82

University of Toronto iSchool Masters candidate Nicole Marcogliese describes her experience in the ROM's Library & Archives working with the Ella N. Martin collection. 

'The Elements of Armories': A Very Short History of Heraldry

Posted: March 18, 2015 - 13:50 , by ROM
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The colourful pennants and shields  carried by bold knights and courageous squires are known to us today from illustrated books and films telling stories of Robin Hood, or King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. But these bright emblems are more than decoration, and have long historical roots. 

The Anatomy of a Book: Saving The Naturalist's Library

Posted: March 11, 2015 - 13:33 , by ROM

Books are remarkably durable. Fragments have survived from ancient times, while others have traversed the centuries in near perfect condition. One such example is the St Cuthbert Gospel from the 7th century, the earliest intact European book. But despite the robust structure of the book, the rigours of use and the passage of years cause many fall into disrepair and to require mending.

International Women's Day

Posted: March 9, 2015 - 11:27 , by ROM
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Ella Martin instructs a group of students. ROM Archives SC82

In honour of International Women’s Day, the ROM Library and Archives highlights a number of the many women whose work at the ROM made advances in science, art, and museology.

Toronto at the Turn of the (Last) Century

Posted: February 19, 2015 - 15:04 , by ROM
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The City of Toronto was officially incorporated in 1834 and the second half of the 19th century was a period of great growth in the city. The population grew through railway and steamer links, which facilitated the arrival of immigrants at the port or the new Union Station building. The harbour was a key asset for trade and expansion, and  was steadily under development.

"All manner of Sychenesses": Domestic Medical Books

Posted: January 28, 2015 - 15:17 , by ROM
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The late winter months often coincide with cold and ‘flu season, a time when we look for remedies to help cure runny noses or coughs. Now we might turn to the internet for this kind of information, but in years past people would have consulted the household medical book for advice.