One of the glories of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library's
holdings is its Artists' Books Collection. It has been a special
focus and source of pride for the library since executive director
Erika Torri initiated it in 1991. As the collection has grown—numbering
close to 1,000—so has its reputation. The focus has remained
consistent: the collection is concentrated on works from California
artists; the subject matter is art or music; or the work is
from a certain genre or press important to the depth of the
collection.
The term "artists' books", often misunderstood, does
not apply to books about an artist—i.e., a biography—nor
is it a retrospective collection of reproductions of an artist's
work. It is instead a book, created by an artist, that is itself
a work of art. Artists' books are either one-of-a-kind or created
in limited editions. They are by nature multi-disciplinary—a
combination of text and artwork—ranging anywhere from
a traditional format to unconventional sizes, shapes, materials
and structures far beyond the constraints of a book.
The Athenaeum's Artists' Books Collection began when Erika
Torri received a donation to be used at her discretion. She
purchased Harry Sternberg's limited edition "A Life in
Woodcuts," published by Brighton Press, and thus the collection
was launched. Since then, the collection has grown enormously,
through Athenaeum purchases, sponsored acquisitions and generous
donations. Most notable was the gift in 1995 of more than 200
books from the RSM collection. This is comprised of books and
pamphlets from the 1960s to the 1980s, most of them by artists
known for their artwork other than books. The Athenaeum collection
is one of the most prestigious in Southern California, and is
sought out by artists, researchers, and collectors. Housed in
a handsome cabinet in the library's Music Room, the collection
may be viewed by making an appointment with the library staff.
Wearing white gloves while looking at these works is an absolute
requirement!
The Artists' Books Collection has had an impact on the Athenaeum's
exhibition schedule, as well. In 1996, the library held its
first artists' books juried exhibition, which was so outstanding
that it has become a biennial event. Entries are solicited from
artists throughout California; and jurors are selected for their
expertise in this genre. The library's gallery also exhibits
frequently artists' books from our own collection, from local
presses or other small presses in California, as well as "hidden
treasures" from private and public collections, among others.
In addition, artists in solo or group exhibitions, working in
more "traditional" media, often include their artists’
books, because of the library's focus and reputation.
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library has decidedly become
a pinnacle for artists' books. We invite those familiar with
book arts to research our outstanding collection, and for those
unfamiliar with this art form: Welcome to a new adventure!
Please click here to see a list of the Athenaeum's
Erika and Fred Torri Artists' Books Collection
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