The spring 2024 Main Library Gallery exhibition, Making the Book, Past and Present, is an experience featuring global book art and rare books from Special Collections and Archives at the University of Iowa Libraries. Classes and community visitors have enjoyed visiting in person this semester, and now the exhibit is available to view online.
Click here to view the accessible version of this interactive content
The virtual tour is a self-paced journey through the exhibition. It features 360° photos of the Main Library Gallery, which allow the viewer to move from area to area. The exhibit text and the items on display are clickable, meaning close-up views of many objects are available along with insights from co-curators Eric Ensley and Emily Martin. Short videos and links to additional educational content are also included.
To read about the specific items on display in the Main Library Gallery for Making the Book, Past and Present, check out the exhibition guide online. To see the virtual version of this exhibit in full screen, click the full screen icon in the lower right corner of the tour preview above, or visit the exhibit here.
More about this exhibit:
Making the Book, Past and Present explores the intersections of history, art, and practicality. What can we learn by placing books, materials, and makers from the Middle Ages through today in conversation with one another? Many techniques and materials common centuries ago still inspire contemporary book artists and bookbinders.
Curated by Eric Ensley and Emily Martin, this exhibition features a global selection of rare historic books and modern book art. From medieval manuscripts and early modern works to recent book sculptures, pop-ups, and books that move, these Special Collections and Archives materials shown together make a visual feast representing the strong connection between books and makers past and present.
Thank you to the University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums for partnering with the Main Library Gallery to make this virtual experience available.