This blossoming of print is the longer-term outcome of the introduction of desktop publishing technologies in the late 1980s, which made it easier and cheaper to publish books and magazines independently. The appearance of stylishly produced, low budget publications in turn caused the more established publishing houses to reassess their activities. The overall result has been a more open-minded approach to print design across the whole publishing spectrum.
The Book Corner shows the full range of recent British publication design, from expensive glossy tomes, such as Jonathan Barnbrook's now seminal collaboration with Damien Hirst I want to spend my life..., to much more ephemeral pieces, for example Anthony Burrill's photocopied, self-promotional booklets. The publications in the exhibition have been chosen primarily for the qualities of their graphic design and typography and, while a large proportion of them are be on design and art related topics, a few deals with more unlikely subject matter: for example cookery, information design or annual reports. The exhibition is curated by Emily King, freelance writer and curator.
The comfortable setting of the exhibition allows visitors to spend time reading and handling exhibits and they will be encouraged to share their experience of the show by book-marking favourite volumes or making photocopies to display on the notice board. Information on exhibits will be available through a computerised catalogue and a librarian is on hand to offer help and answer questions.
Newly commissioned furniture by Martino Gamper and graphics by Åbäke ensures that the exhibition demonstrates the innovation, wit and creativity in contemporary British design. Library conventions will be referred to in the classification and design of the exhibits to emphasise the nature of the works and to encourage interaction.
The exhibition launched in Milan and has since been shown in London at artandphotographs , Estonia at the Tallinna Linnagalerii, Lithuania and the Baltic Book Fair and will continues on its tour throughout 2003.
Project Manager Sorrel Hershberg
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