Exhibitions
Bruce Peel Special Collections has offered a fascinating array of exhibitions since moving to the basement of Rutherford South in 1984. Numerous awards, for exhibition catalogues (see previous in-house exhibitions) and for digital exhibitions (Tinctor's Foul Treatise and Photographies) demonstrate that the exhibitions produced by the Peel library are some of the best in North America. Exhibition catalogues are distributed internationally by University of Alberta Press and continue to be actively used by local researchers. For information on past exhibitions, as well as the availability and prices of past exhibition catalogues, follow the link below.
Previous In-House ExhibitionsCurrent In-House Exhibition
Revisiting Culinaria
Collecting Culinaria: Cookbooks and Domestic Manuals Mainly from the Linda Miron Distad Collection
September 2024 – March 2025
Curators: Caroline Lieffers & Merrill Distad
Back by popular demand, this visually compelling exhibition of books and ephemera relating to the preparation and enjoyment of food over several centuries was a tribute to a generous donor and a remarkable woman. From national and regional cookbooks to manuscript and corporate cookbooks, this exhibition features highlights from the collection of librarian-researcher-editor-chef Linda Miron Distad (1944–2012) who had a special ability to “combine, separate, enhance, reduce, clarify, liaise,” and thereby to make magic. The catalogue for this exhibition may be purchased in person in the Peel library for $25 (cash only, no dealers) or through University of Alberta Press or Indigo.
Class/group exhibition visits may be arranged on Monday afternoons (only) and require advance booking; drop-in visitors are welcome on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons (1-4pm).
Check out a related digital exhibition: Culinaria: A Taste of Food History on the Prairies.
