JANUARY 17 – JUNE 28, 2024

The exposed spine of a thick medieval book. Everything is beige, and along the spine can be seen the binding as well as words from old pages in medieval script that were used as binding waste.

Conradi Gesneri medici Tigurini Historiæ animalium lib. Conrad Gessner. Tiguri : Apud Christ. Froschoverum, 1551-1587. x-collection [VAULT FOLIO QL41 .G37], Special Collections & Archives, University of Iowa Libraries. Photo: Sara Pinkham.


Making the Book, Past and Present explores the intersections of history, art, and practicality. What can we learn by placing books, materials, and makers from the Middle Ages through today in conversation with one another? Many techniques and materials common centuries ago still inspire contemporary book artists and bookbinders.  

Curated by Eric Ensley and Emily Martin, this exhibition features a global selection of rare historic books and modern book art. From medieval manuscripts and early modern works to recent book sculptures, pop-ups, and books that move, these Special Collections & Archives materials shown together make a visual feast representing the strong connection between books and makers past and present. 

 

Virtual Tour


Click here to view the accessible version of this interactive content

 

Curator Highlights

A worn medieval book open to a handwritten page in Latin with a doodle of a face included with the script. It is wrapped roughly in a leather binding like a trapper keeper.

Ad Herennium,14th century

This book is a truly extraordinary part of the University of Iowa’s medieval manuscript collection. The most frequently surviving medieval books are often the most important or most beautiful, since people are often inclined to preserve those objects for their appeal or use. However, “ugly” books like these are rarer survivors though they tell us a lot about early peoples.
A medieval book featuring an illustration of Christ overlaid entirely by what could be described as a 'find the hidden words game.'

Encoded Meaning in the Page

Two examples from very different eras demonstrate the hidden possibility with a page of text.
A book from between 1780 and 1820, worn and with text written in looping hand. The recipe on this page is for ink. The transcription is on the page for this object.

Medical and cookery receipt book, 1780-1820

Ink can be made from many materials. Find just once version of a traditional ink recipe here.
Medieval text featuring gothic calligraphy and a couple of large illuminated letters, colorful and detailed with flair.

Psalterium cum Antiphonis, late 15th century

In libraries and museums, modern makers and their skills are often called upon to repair antiquarian materials. This 15th-century Psalter was repaired by conservator and master binder Bill Anthony in 1985.
Display case featuring four examples of movable books. This page includes photos and descriptions of each one.

The Art of Movable Books

Movables have been used in books for centuries and are in regular use for all sorts of reasons to this day. These four books demonstrate the range of simple movable devices.
What appears to be an illustration of a cathedral is actually printed with type and small shapes in primary colors on a flat sheet of white paper. The work is extremely detailed.

The City is My Religion, 2020

For this artist book, many individual pieces of lead ornaments are combined to create the cityscape of Chicago and nine other images.
An open book featuring one page of handwritten print and another page with a colorful illustration of two young boys feeding three peacocks in a garden.

The Loiterers, 1943

Everything contained in this book, from the binding, to the watercolors and text were handmade by artist Ida Bogue.

 

 

Credits

Exhibition Curation
Eric Ensley
Curator of Rare Books & Maps, University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections & Archives

Emily Martin
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Bookbinding and Book Arts
University of Iowa Center for the Book

Preparation & Conservation
Bill Voss, Conservator Technician & Exhibit Preparator
Giselle Simón, University Conservator

Design
Kalmia Strong, Creative Coordinator

Exhibition Coordination
Sara J. Pinkham, Exhibition and Engagement Coordinator

Installation
Bill Voss, Sara J. Pinkham, Giselle Simón, Jennifer Miller, Kalmia Strong

Website
Ken Clinkenbeard, Web Services Specialist
Sara J. Pinkham

Virtual Exhibit Assembly & Photography
Sara J. Pinkham

Financial Support
Friends of the University of Iowa Libraries

Special Thanks
Tim Barrett, Anne Bassett, Madison Bennett, Nicholas Cladis, Rich Dana, Camille Davis, Natalee Dawson, Margaret Gamm, Cheryl Jacobsen, Lindsay Moen, Paul Soderdahl, Kaylee Swinford, Katarina Stiller, Zöe Webb, Students and Faculty of the University of Iowa Center for the Book