Artist Statement
A Natural History of the most remarkable Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Serpents, Reptiles and Insects by Mrs. Mary Trimmer. Chiswick: C. and C. Whittingham, 1826. Volume 1 of 2.
I’ve been binding antiquarian books in the various structures I teach to have examples for my students. I wanted to have fun with the grandiose title of this book.
Materials & Technique
Bound in Hook BK case paper, case sprinkled with acrylic ink, text sewn w/colored thread to match. Text from the title “most remarkable” laser-printed onto Kizukishi and pasted inside front and rear of case. Handmade paper label and endpapers, label stamped with pigment foil.
About Karen Hanmer
Karen Hanmer’s artist-made books are physical manifestations of personal essays intertwining history, culture, politics, science and technology. She uses both traditional and contemporary book structures, and her work is often playful in content or format. Hanmer’s work is included in collections ranging from The British Library and the Library of Congress to Stanford University and Graceland. She has served on the editorial board of The Bonefolder, as Exhibitions Chair for the Guild of Book Workers, and as frequent exhibition curator and juror. She offers workshops and private instruction focusing on a solid foundation in basic binding skills.