Explore the inspired world of ‘Artists Books’ and discover ‘all that a book can be’

‘Unfurled: Encounters with Artists’ Books’, is a free exhibition which opened this week at the Grosvenor Museum (13 May to 2 July) showcasing the art form through work created by students, staff and alumni from the University of Chester.

The exciting, playful and sometimes humorous exhibition explores the diversity and range of this exciting contemporary art form, collected by museums worldwide. Some works will be for sale and free talks will reveal more about the engaging world of Artists’ Books. For further information go to: 

www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Visitors to galleries are familiar with artists making sculptures and painting but less so with ‘Artists’ Books’ – works of art that are created using a wide range of experimental book formats and materials.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said “Artists’ Books’ are a genuinely exciting ‘stand alone’ art form in their own right. This exciting exhibition promises to delight visitors with the variety of its Artists’ Books, including those in ‘accordian’, loose-leaf and sculpture form. This is a wonderful way to engage with this artform and maybe be the catalyst to draw inspiration for one’s own Artist Book.”

Tim Daly, curator of the exhibition from the University of Chester’s Art and Design Department, said: “It is not hard to see why artists, of all disciplines, are drawn to making Artists’ Books.  Whether mass produced or handmade, Artists’ Books can be made with traditional crafts including papermaking and bookbinding but also office photocopiers, desktop printer and little specialist equipment.

“Artists books are an inspiring artform and I hope that once visitors have seen how broad and interesting it can be, they feel motivated to make books of their own and join the growing artists’ book community in the region.”

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to handle some of the Artists’ Books and others will be for sale (most on a limited edition-basis). A free talk on artists’ books will be given during the duration of the exhibition.

Lecture

Unfurled: Exploring the World of Artists’ Books
Introductory talk and tour by Dr Tim Daly
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Thursday May 25, 6.30pm for 7pm to 8pm

Workshop 1

Book Arts Taster Workshop with Lynne Connolly (University of Chester)
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Wednesday May 17, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Workshop 2

Book Arts Taster Workshop with Lynne Connolly (University of Chester)
Lion Salt Works, Northwich
Friday May 19, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Workshop 3

Zine Workshop with Stephanie Coulthorpe (AA2A)
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Thursday June 15, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

For more information, including booking places for the Grosvenor Museum events, please visit: 

https://events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/venue/grosvenor-museum/ 

...and for the Lion Salt Works event, please visit: 

https://events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/event/unfurled-encounters-with-artists-books-2/.

Pictured - Unfurled Exhibition.