NSCAD Library Artist's Book Collection

Our group recently visited the library at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design to see their collection of artist's books. The NSCAD library has a large collection of artist's books by many local artists dating back to the 1970s when the concept of artist's books was just emerging. The collection includes a wide range of items showing how broadly the category can be interpreted which, of course, led to some great discussion around the long-debated question: What is an artist's book anyway? We had an opportunity to see a variety of chap books, book art objects, art books, exhibition catalogues, moveable books, as well as fine press books and other related items. Of particular interest to us were the two CBBAG collections, the "Millenium in a Box" (2000) and the "Book Arts Mosaic" (2005). The "Millennium in a Box" contains the work of 35 artists from across Canada. Each artist's piece was created as an edition of 50 and then one of each is included in the boxes that are held at libraries across the country. In similar fashion, the "Book Arts Mosaic" box includes twenty-six works by thirty-three artists across Canada. The pieces included in these collections are predominantly book art objects but there are also examples of chap books, collections of prints, handbound journals, etc., and the various items showcase many book art techniques and materials. A range of bookbinding structures can be found here, including this example of a tunnel book by Ann Stinner and an unusal lectern structure made by Karen and Geoffrey Hewett. There is an example of a miniature binding by Robert Wu and a set of prints by the Ottawa Press Gang. Also, an accordion with handmade paper and calligraphy by Cathryn Miller and a pamphlet with hand lettering by Triha Klus. These are obviously just a few of the dozens of items included. If you have an opportunity to examine these collections you will also find examples of scrolls, Japanese bindings, a cuneiform tablet, handmade paper with special watermarks, resin casting, letterpress prints, woodblock prints, shibori, paper marbling, paste papers, lino cut printing, calligraphy, xylography, wax resist, as well as a bit of traditional bookbinding and fine binding. Both collections are featured on the CBBAG website with some additional information about the items as well as lists of the libraries where the collections can be found. Thank you to Rebecca Young at the NSCAD library for providing access to these collections!