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The Alison Eliason Library is an integral aspect of Marc-James Mews. An extensive collection of books,
manuscripts, early Ecclesiastic bindings, illuminated and early printed leaves, 17th and 18th Century indentures,
15th Century woodblocks, 12th Century brass rubbings from York Minster, and other incunabula
are available for viewing upon request. This is an impressive library that dates back to 13th Century.
The Alison Eliason Library has recently been bequeathed a gift of the entire Theological Collection
of books from the Library of Dr. Tom Kimball.
A fine example of illuminated manuscript (not in the library collection). The Alison Eliason Library
has a diverse collection of leaves of illumination similar to the image above.
The Marc-James Mews Library is named in honor of Alison Eliason. Ms. Eliason has an deep interest in
the preservation and the sharing of the printed word. For nearly a century she has
visited countless museums around the world, taken an active interest in archeology, and has contributed her time
to many local museums. She has volunteered at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento, with over twenty
years of dedication earned the title of Docent for the prestigious Crocker Museum in Sacramento,
and was awarded Docent Emeritus of the Marc-James Manor Museum in 2003.
Her dedication to education, research and preservation has been and will remain an inspiration to all that meet her.
Description: Julius Caesar, a Tragedy, Small Quarto
London: Printed for Henry Herringman and Richard Bentley, 1691.
This is a rare Fifth Edition of this celebrated Play. It contains the cast.
Please click the image of the book to enlarge.
Description: 13th Century wood carving of Mary Magdalene, France.
This statue is beautifully carved and retains some of the original
polychrome including the red garments distinctive to Mary Magdalene. Previously in the Santa Barbara Museum.
Provenance: the Butterfield & Butterfield Fall Auction, San Francisco,
1983.
The following photographs are taken from the dining area of the Alison Eliason Library.
The library is divided into three distinct sections: the earliest volumes (some represented here), the antiques reference
section in the museum exhibit room and the general library collection.
A beautiful silver chalice and paten on display with some of the books.
A nice grouping of Victorian Stoneware Apostle- patterned Ceramics.
An interesting vignette of Victorian Staffordshire and Georgian books.
A grouping of framed prints dating from the 1790's.
A corner view of two of 14 bookcases in the main library.
A view of a corner of the library dining room. Featured in the photograph is a
Grand Tour issue of a Michelangelo painting of the Holy Family, one of
two Louis XIII fruitwood chairs and some 19th Century ecclesiastic needlepoint.
Here's a different perspective... .
The opposite corner of the library dining room with a glimpse of Springtime sunshine.
A selection of brass rubbings taken from York Minster.
A detail of a Father Edward M. Catich slate engraving, titled "Christ The Good Shepard."
A detail of the Angus Dei Roundel, Circa 1875. This window is currently mounted in the dinning area
of the Alison Eliason Library. This window originally hung in the Convent of Mission San Jose in California
and was removed during the Vatican II period.
An interesting collection of Early English Blue and White. The coffee
pot by Christian's and the sauce by Pennington's, both Liverpool and from the
mid 18th Century.
The Platter is a 19th C transfer of Windsor Castle. The shelf is a
composite using 19th Century (1860's) doors. The marble columns are from
an Altar Rail from a demolished church in Brooklyn.
When you tour Marc-James Mews, please visit the Alison Eliason Library.
Ask Marc to share his rare books, manuscripts, 13th-15th illuminations, and incunabula. 
Sorry, items displayed on this page are not for sale.