Chicago Hand Bookbinders 2006 Exhibition

One of life’s great joys is the simple act of picking up and reading a book. For most of us these are simple physical and mental tasks that we take for granted. When done well, books provide learning, escape, drama, comedy, or transcendence. The theme of the Chicago Hand Bookbinders 2006 Exhibition is Books About Books, and these books are done very well indeed. If you like books – and who doesn’t – you will come away from this show inspired by some of the Midwest’s most talented bookbinders.

The examples of fine bookbinding include a heartfelt reconstruction to a first edition of de Saint-Exupery’s “Wind, Sand and Stars.” The book “Centro del bel Libro Ascona” is a magical assembly of leatherwork and handmade paper covers. The elegant bindings seen in “Learning to Read in the British Library” and “The Name of the Rose” are delicate treatments that reference traditional materials and bindings. Then there are the one-of-kind artist books. “Book with Wings” is an dramatic, angelic construction of walnut wings that protect painted abaca and cotton pages. And “Fahrenheit 451” is a timely piece on censorship inspired by the Ray Bradbury classic.

This new exhibit showcases the work of the Chicago Hand Bookbinders and features twenty-six books created by twenty-five binders from six states. The theme Books About Books was chosen to give members of this group the freedom to express the full range of the bookbinders’ craft. Over many years the Chicago Hand Bookbinders have shown a great diversity of skill and imagination, and this newest exhibit offers up strong and unique craftwork.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

January 16-March 24
Special Collections
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Golda Meir Library, 4th Floor
2311 East Hartford Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-4345
M–F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

April 4-May 25
Reception
Tuesday, April 11, 5:30 - 8 pm
Northwestern University Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL
(847)491-7658
M-F 8:30 - 5pm
Sa 8:30 - noon

June 2-20
Joan Flasch Artists’ Books Collection
John M Flaxman Library
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
37 South Wabash Ave.
Chicago
(312) 899-5098
M-Th 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sa noon – 6 pm

MISSION

Chicago Hand Bookbinders was founded in 1978 to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of books made by hand. CHB members are amateur, student and professional binders and anyone interested in the book arts. Our aims are to learn from one another through sharing of skills and techniques; to educate the public through exhibitions and demonstrations; and to encourage the highest standards in the craft of bookbinding. For more information, write Chicago Hand Bookbinders, PO Box 802998, Chicago, IL 60680.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Dave Coulter, essay
Karen Hanmer, CHB Exhibitions Chair
Robert Hanmer, website
Eileen Madden, photographic assistance
Henry Maron, illustration
Marlene Russum Scott, PR