Wightman, Julia P (Julia Parker), 1909-1994

Person

Biography

Julia Parker Wightman (1909-1994) was born to Orrin Sage Wightman (1873-1965), a prominent New York physician and his wife Purl Parker. She was noted for her collection of rare books, especially miniature books, but also herbals, incunabula, illuminated manuscripts and fine bindings. She converted a room in her home into a bindery where she created bindings and cases for some volumes in her library. She studied bookbinding with Edith Diehl. She was a long time member of the Hroswitha Club and served as its president from 1978-1994. She was a member of the Grolier Club having been one of the first women admitted and served as presient in 1977. When she died her collection of books and bookbinding equipment went to the Morgan Library & Museum where she had been a long time fellow.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Letter from Julia Wightman to Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss, May 23, 1959 Digital

FOUND IN: Dumbarton Oaks / Collection: Dumbarton Oaks Garden Archives / Series: Correspondence / Sub-Series: Mildred Bliss Office Files, A-Havey / Sub-Group: Dumbarton Oaks, Garden, Appreciation Letters

File — Box E, Folder: 4, item: 121Identifier: DDO-RB-GAR-001, E4:Wightman 1959.05.23

Scope and Contents: Handwritten letter from Julia P. Wightman [Julia Parker Wightman] to Mildred Bliss tells her it was lovely of her and Ambassador [Robert] Bliss to have the Hroswitha Club members to Dumbarton Oaks. She has always longed to see it so much and the grounds and house surpass any description. It was wonderful for them to have given their home for a research library of such proportions. "It is just fabulous!" Wightman is still remembering the beautiful music room with its magnificient ceiling and...