In Memory

In Memory of William C. Bunce (1936-2002)

William C. Bunce served as director of the Kohler Art Library from 1966 until his retirement in 1999. During this time, he developed the art library collection from a regional tool to a resource of national importance and distinguished activity. Bill’s goal was: “to build a premier university art library in which no topic is, in some degree, unresearchable and where inspiration as well as information is part of the daily fare.” He established one of the finest artists’ books collections in the country. He recognized the importance of this genre early on and envisioned this collection as a teaching tool, a kind of hands-on laboratory for the book arts. With almost 700 books in the collection, this resource forms a body of information on typography, papermaking, graphics, bookmaking, and design. The collection is representative of the major book artists working today. Many book artists with ties to Wisconsin are represented. A digital initiative is underway to create a visual finding aid to this collection.

We were fortunate enough to have Bill’s participation in mounting this wonderful exhibit. Bill artfully arranged the case exhibiting Notes on the body (by Shelagh Keely) and Hunger (by Anna Hepler). This photo documents Bill’s sense of design and sensitivity towards the structure and contents of artists’ books. Donations in memory of Bill Bunce may be made to: a) William C. Bunce Art Book Fund (make check payable to UW Foundation-Libraries and indicate deposit to 1254124 in memory of Bill Bunce. Send check to UW Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53708-8860; b) William C. Bunce Memorial Fund (send donations to Gordon H. Morey, Bank of Brooklyn, 210 Commercial Street, Brooklyn, WI 53521, attn. Nancy Z., account no. 411918; c) Leonora G. Bernstein Artists’ Book Endowment (make check payable to UW Foundation-Libraries and indicate it is for the Artists’ Book Endowment. Send check to UW Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53708-8860).