Solihull Art Gallery
The Secret Library of Solihull reveals the many spectacular and subversive works that fall under the title of “artist’s books”.

Everyone has a favourite book and in this form of modern art it is the book itself which takes centre stage, however artists’ books are a little-known form of contemporary art, which  became popular during the 20th century. Often produced in small quantities, artists’ books are books, or book-like objects, intended as a work of art in their own right.

Works on display include books that focus on wordplay, feature the book as a theatrical stage for conceptual ideas, a dynamic and infinitely complex surface for imagery, or a springboard from which to launch sweeping narratives.

A highlight of the show is Tina Hill’s spectacular, towering walk-through piece “Excavating Babel” which dwarfs the viewer inside a sculptural installation of more than 2,000 books.

Recent graduate Jatinder Bains was commissioned to make the unique exhibition card for the Secret Library which folds-up into a book. Also presented here is her handmade “Systematic Journey” a book of photographs taken during a journey through Birmingham City centre.

Wolverhampton-born artist Simon Goode displays his innovative letterpress-printed works, such as “The Heart”, printed and bound by the artist himself, and based on an abstracted physiology of the human heart, and “The Machine”, an entirely handmade and letterpressed book based on the avant-garde Futurist Manifesto.

This show also includes an opportunity to see important book art works from the Collection at the Centre for Fine Print Research at University of the West of England, which are rarely seen outside Bristol.

Tina Hill will be talking about her practice; the inspiration and process behind Excavating Babel and other book works and printmaking projects.

We will be joined by the Mayor of Solihull for the evening, who will be learning how to make and bind his own artists’ book.

For adults 18+ (especially artists of all disciplines: printmakers, photographers, illustrators, designers…)

Limited places available, book early to avoid disappointment.

With book artist Simon Goode www.simongoode.co.uk

£60 for two days (when booked together) or £35 per person, per day if booking separately.

Fee includes specialist materials, plus tea and coffee during the day.

All materials and tools will be provided.

As part of The Secret Library of Solihull exhibition, learn how to make a variety of hand bound books with our bookbinding master classes.

This course is aimed those with a little practical experience, but would suit beginners with enthusiasm! Participants will be able to take their creations away with them at the end of the course.

Bookbinding: Introduction Session

Saturday 10 April 2010

11am – 4pm, including lunch break

Using the artists’ books in the exhibition as a starting point, this day long course will cover a number of attractive and easy-to-make book structures using a variety of methods.

Participants will be using specialist tools including bone folders, bookbinding knives, needles and linen thread, and a range of papers and boards to make their own handmade book.

Bookbinding: Making your own artists’ book

Sunday 11 April 2010

11am – 4pm, including lunch break

The second day will build upon book structures learned in the previous session. Participants will learn a new bookbinding structure, and will have the opportunity to produce their own artists’ book with guidance from the tutors.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own work, illustrations, drawings, photographs and, most importantly, ideas with which to make books!

To book a place contact the Solihull Arts Complex box office on 0121 704 6962

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to promote and sell their work to the general public throughout the day. We encourage artists who wish to provide a more ‘interactive’ experience involving audience/customer participation: contact us to talk about your ideas.

The fair will be taking place at the Solihull Arts Complex on 20 March 2010, 10am — 5pm.

The cost for a full table is £15 for the whole day. A limited number of half-tables are available at £10.

The Solihull Gallery is well positioned in the centre of town, right next to Touchwood shopping centre and the Central Library. It is an 8 minute walk from Solihull train station, which is a ten to 15 minute train ride from Birmingham City centre.

If you are interested in exhibiting and selling your work at the fair then please complete the form here. Once we have received your application, we will contact you to reserve a table and confirm your place. Details of all exhibitors will be featured on the Solihull Art Gallery website and The Secret Library of Solihull blog.

If you have any questions do get in touch simon[at]simongoode[dot]co[dot]uk.

The deadline for submission is 12 March 2010.

Join us at the Solihull Arts Complex this spring and delve into a secret library of contemporary artists’ books with an exhibition dedicated to the genre. Artists’ books and book works, installation and book-related performances will all be showcased within the gallery and library complex.

We are proud to include Excavating Babel by Tina Hill, winner of the Agassi Book Arts Prize in 2009.

Hill has transformed more than 2000 secondhand and discarded books, recovered from a Bristol warehouse, into a towering, walkthrough installation, appropriating the book blocks and creating a stunning architectural bookwork

We will be running a series of artists’ book-making workshops aimed at artists and novices through all disciplines throughout the duration of the exhibition. Birmingham-based illustrator Karoline Rerrie will be demonstrating the endangered art of Print Gocco, while Simon Goode will be running a workshop in non-adhesive bindings and contemporary artists’ book making. We also have students from the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD), who will be  running mini workshops demonstrating various techniques, including experimental book formats and how to make your own zine.

As part of the exhibition, The Solihull Artists’ Book Fair will take place at the Gallery from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 20 March 2010.