Drawn to the word: writers and artists
Educational resources
Drawn to the word: writers and artists displays items from the History and Art of the Book Collection that reveal the relationship between the arts of writing and image-making from the very earliest antiquities – when text and image were indistinguishable – through to 20th century collaborations between writers and artists where the roles are distinct. While Drawn to the word: writers and artists is not a comprehensive survey of the History and Art of the Book Collection, the material on display demonstrates the development of the book both as a tool of communication and an object of beauty. Many of these books represent fruitful collaborations between artists and writers, and some point to the valuable contributions artists have made to the evolution of its form.
History and Art of the Book
The History and Art of the Book Collection showcases and preserves rare and fine books that reflect the art, craft, history and impact of the printed book. The earliest objects on display are from the State Library’s small collection of antiquities. Made of clay, stone, papyrus or cloth, they bear little resemblance to the familiar book form of today. Also on display are the oldest book in the State Library’s collection, the largest Bible, the smallest books, some examples of innovative publishers and bindings, and an example of the earliest known illustration in the Art Nouveau style. The display concludes with works by Australian artists, Norman and Jack Lindsay, and Christian Waller, whose unique drawing styles translate beautifully into the book form.Antiquities
The antiquities on display date from 2028 BCE (Before Common Era), to the 7th century CE (Common Era), and show a variety of early writing styles, from cuneiform (meaning ‘wedge-shaped’) and hieroglyphic characters on clay and stone tablets, to hieratic (a cursive form of hieroglyphs written with a reed pen on linen or papyrus), to Roman and Coptic inscriptions. Often these tablets contained quite mundane business and legal transactions, while some, such as the Egyptian funerary cone before 525 BCE, were part of elaborate funerary practices.
What is realia?
The term ‘realia’ refers to non-written or printed materials, usually three-dimensional that do not fit easily into the categories of printed materials, books, journals, audio-visual material or websites. Examples could be tools, games or utensils, memorabilia such as badges, emblems, armour, insignias, jewellery or needlework. Some of the items in the Talbot Family Treasures Wall, such as the antiquities on display, would be termed realia.
What is a private press?
A ‘private press’ is a term used to refer to a printing press operated as a personal hobby, rather than as a commercial venture. Often artists, particularly printmakers, set up private presses as an adjunct to their studio work. Drawn to the word: writers and artists features works by some of the finest private presses in the 19th century. The artist William Morris (1834-1896), responding to a perceived drop in the quality of mass produced books, began to design and print high quality books through Kelmscott Press in Hammersmith, London. His handcut woodblocks were printed with rich dense inks and handmade paper using an old handpress. Morris was influenced by 15th century art and the beauty of incunabula, or early printed books, as well as designed typefaces, graphic designs and decorative patterns from this era. Kelmscott Press operated until 1898 and published 53 titles in limited editions.
What is an edition?
Usually books, along with art prints and sometimes photographs, are published in editions – the same book published many times. An edition can comprise thousands of copies (best sellers are renowned for this) or only a few. If a book is very popular and sells out the first edition, it may be printed again from the same plates to produce an identical book (called a ‘reprint’), or it may be printed again with some changes to the original (a ‘second edition’). For example, if 200 copies of a book are printed in November, and another 300 are printed using the same plates again in December, all 500 copies are considered to be from the same edition. But if some changes were made to the second printing in December, those 300 books would become the ‘second edition’. A limited edition is one where there are relatively few copies published. Often these are treated like art prints, with the author or artist signing and numbering each copy. Because of their rarity they are highly valued.
What are livres d’artistes?
Livres d'artistes are books containing well-known literary texts that are illustrated by artists. They are different to artists’ books, which are intended as works of art. Livres d’artistes are luxury productions often produced in limited editions. They can be recognised by their use of fine papers, beautiful typesetting and high quality bindings. They became popular in the late 19th century, mainly in Paris.
Discussion point: What constitutes a book?
- Why do we have books? What purposes do they serve?
- What sorts of information do they hold?
- Identify the elements an object needs to be defined as a book.
- What are the advantages/disadvantages of using books?
- What sort of books do you use? When and why do you use them?
- Why and when would a collection of miniature books be useful?
- Hold a debate: books or computers, which is better?
Challenge questions
- How did the invention of paper effect written communication?
- Many of these books are written in Latin. Why would this be so?
- Discuss the pros and cons of displaying fragile, historic materials, such as the great ‘she’ bible. What precautions would need to be undertaken in order to do so and not contribute to its deterioration?
Research: The history of books and book forms
Books have changed in style and format through the ages. Some of the earliest forms of communication can be found in the antiquities in this display in the Talbot Family Treasures Wall – but they are not necessarily books. Find out more about when, where and why books were created.
- Create your own timeline of the history of the book. Ask yourselves:
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- Where and when were the first books created? What did they look like?
- What were the earliest books named?
- What materials have been used to make books? Have these materials changed in time?
- What impact did the printing press have on the book?
- What do we use books for today?
- Discuss the difference between a printer and a publisher.
Activity: What book is that?
- Do all books have the same purpose? Find as many different types of books within your own collection, within the school library, or within the State Library. (Collect everything from comics to cookery books to reference to fiction.) Ask yourselves:
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- What type of information does each book convey?
- Compare the design and content, the use of images and text.
- How does each book convey its information? (eg list, essay, short stories, pictures)
- Who is the intended audience for each book?
Activity: Make your own book
Using the skills of observation gained in the activity above, create your own book based on an interest you may have (sport, art, music, writing, computer games). Keep in mind the audience for this book, which will be reflected in its design and content.
Activity: Book review
Swap the book you have made with a friend, read and ‘review’ their book. Discuss with them the content, whether the books would reach their target audience, and how you can improve your books.
Last updated: 18th January 2012
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