Nov 26, 2024 In Memoriam: Michele Burgess (1960-2024)

“I am the canopy
in the opera of dusk
the vast irrational archive
the void I wore as a veil
opening my book
the trees I felled still falling
and then a curtain
the grief of evening
walking and remembering
the pages inside my lids…”

The Book of Darkness
Chard deNiord
San Diego, CA: Brighton Press, 2015
xPS3554 E532 B66 2015

We are deeply saddened to share that on November 2nd, 2024, Michele Burgess passed away unexpectedly. Michele was an exceptionally talented painter, bookmaker, teacher, gift-giver, dog-lover, and cook–as well as a beloved partner, collaborator, sister, and aunt. A fiercely devoted artist all her life, she left behind an astonishing body of work. Some of which can be seen on her personal website.

A Last Cloud: For Ruth Stone…
Chard deNiord
San Diego, CA: Brighton Press, 2013
xN7433.4 B868 L37 2013

Michele was the creative director and heart of Brighton Press, founded in 1985 by her husband, Bill Kelly. A small but mighty operation, Brighton Press has been defying the odds for decades, creating some of the most exquisite and innovative fine press, limited-edition artists’ books and broadsides. In the days before her passing, Michele was deeply and happily engaged in her latest project, Nocturne, pulling prints and working with her dear assistants Bill, Nelle, and Abby.

Three Poems Disrupting a Language
Billy Kelly
San Diego, CA: Brighton Press, 2017
xN7433.4 K442 T47 2017

Brighton Press is represented in over one hundred public and private collections, including the Achenbach Foundation for the Graphic Arts, the Getty Research Institute, the Library of Congress, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Newberry Library, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, University of Vermont, Indiana University, Stanford University, and numerous other university libraries and museums.

Paper Bridge
Ellen Schechner-Johnson
San Diego, CA: Brighton Press, 2023
xN7433.4 S312 P37 2023

The Rare Books Collection and the Marriott Library is fortunate to hold fourteen titles from the Brighton Press and would like to extend the opportunity for others in the community to support, in any way they can.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-brighton-press-in-micheles-memory

Duck Blind
Bill Kelly
San Diego, CA: Brighton Press, 2013
xN7433.4 K442 D8 2013

All funds raised will go towards the continuation and completion of Brighton Press’ current works, as well as maintaining and preserving their archives, all done in Michele’s honor. Any and all support is deeply appreciated. Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may be interested in supporting this effort.

If you would like to be kept in the loop about opportunities to purchase art and books, as the Brighton Press’s inventory and archives are organized, please send a note to the email address linked here.

~ TO MICHELE ~