University of Chester
16 May 2023
Exhibition of work from University and partners opens up world of artists’ books
Unfurled: Encounters with Artists’ Books is a free exhibition showcasing a selection of work in the art form by University students, staff and alumni - alongside work by partnership colleagues and students from Wirral Metropolitan College, Birkenhead - which runs from this week (May 13) to July 2 at the Chester city centre museum.
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, while some can be handled, and free events will reveal more about the engaging world of artists’ books. For further information, please go to: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk.
Visitors to galleries are familiar with artists making sculptures and painting but may be 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 art form and may be the catalyst to draw inspiration for one’s own artist book.”
Dr Tim Daly, curator of the exhibition from the University of Chester’s Department of Art and Design, 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 printers and little specialist equipment.
“Artists’ books are an inspiring art form 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.”
Artists' book by Dr Tim Daly.
Further information
Events:
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/.