Happy Holidays from the University of Victora Libraries and University Art Collections

Card design using stylized George A. Norris wall panels of the McPherson Library (1964). Story and design by master printer Jacob Maddison. Hand printed at the Farallon Book Arts Lab at the University of Victoria Libraries.

This year’s holiday card design takes its inspiration from the George Norris sculptural panels on the original McPherson Library. By simplifying some of the motifs into basic geometric shapes, the design captures the spirit of Norris’s work while reimagining it with a clean, modern twist. The format was inspired by the cover of New Grammar of Ornament by Thomas Weil, published by Lars Müller Publishers.

The cards are letterpress printed in three colours on Mohawk Superfine Eggshell Bright White 80lb paper, using photopolymer plates and our trusty 1953 Vandercook 4 proof press. A hint of colour was added to suggest ornaments and trees, giving it a festive flair while staying true to the minimalist design.

The final edition of cards celebrates both the holiday season and the art of craft printing.