Skip to main content
Two people standing behind a glass display case in the Australian Library of Art Showcase at State Library of Queensland.
  • Home
  • /

  • Australian Library of Art showcase

Australian Library of Art showcase

Free showcase
10am – 5pm daily
Australian Library of Art, level 4

Plan your visit

The Australian Library of Art showcase provides an opportunity to discover and explore the collections of the Australian Library of Art, and learn how these collections document fine book arts in Australia and around the world.

Current display: The word made flesh

In this intimate display, drawn from the rare and remarkable collections of State Library, we explore the alchemy that happens when poets and artists collaborate.  

Some works are forged together and speak with one voice. Word and image can never be disentangled in books like Imagine: a bough. In other cases, for example Anansi Company, they face each other across the page and never quite meet.  

We also stray into the area of visual and concrete poetry, with works by F.T. Marinetti and Apollinaire, and the word works of Australian artist, Richard Tipping.  

The display draws on our collections of artists’ books as well as the fine productions of private presses in Australia and overseas.  

Free curator's tours are held monthly. Join one of our curators to discover the hidden gems of the Australian Library of Art collections. 

Join a curator's tour
Absurd A.B.C., 1874.  Walter Crane. RB 398.8 1874

Discover the collections

Peter Lyssiotis A gardener at midnight
Artists' Books Collection
Discover over 1,700 unique artist-made books that challenge the idea of what a book can be.
View collection
Baby's bouquet
History and Art of the Book Collection
Explore rare books that celebrate the craft and history of bookmaking. Features fine printing, bindings, and early Australiana.
View collection
Photograph of Lionel and Norman Lindsay play acting Acc. 6067
Lindsay Collection of Pat Corrigan
Uncover the creative legacy of the Lindsay family through books, letters, and artworks. Donated by Pat Corrigan, this collection offers a glimpse into their literary and artistic world.
View collection