The DVC is partnering with the Science History Institute to highlight and invite interpretation of some of their library and archival materials. We have chosen to draw upon their excellent collection of sample books for inspiration. For this project, each participant will create a book that expands on the sample book structure, the type of samples included, and how they are arranged and displayed. Submissions that include a scientific aspect by interpreting existing collections from the Science History Institute Library will be considered for a juried exhibition to be held at the Institute September 2025. We will have a non-juried exhibition on the DVC website showing all submissions.
Sample books have been around since the 18th century and are still used today. Within the history of science, such works served multiple functions. They could showcase examples of products for sale such as fabric, paper, pigments and varnishes. Sample books could also be handwritten notebooks that record recipes and formulations with corresponding samples pasted in. There are also published instructional books that include attached samples. When opening a sample book, one is often dazzled by the many colors and/or patterns arranged on the pages.
The Science History Institute has a large collection of sample books. The DVC will organize a visit to the Othmer Library of Chemical History at Science History Institute to view a selection of sample books. If members can’t attend, they can see digitized sample books on their website.
Timetable:
-Members visit the Othmer Library of Chemical History at the Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. March 5, 2025, at noon. To reserve a spot please rsvp: delawarevalleyexhibitions@guildofbookworkers.org
– Completed work due: July 25, 2025
– Exhibition opens: September 2025
– Exhibition closes: February 2026
Project Instructions:
- Create a book that is inspired by the collections at Science History Institute and expands on the sample book structure, the type of samples included, and how they are displayed.
- SHI staff will jury the exhibition and books with a scientific aspect will be prioritized. The exhibition space is limited so only a small number books will go on display there. We will have an online exhibition showing all of the books submitted.
- Due to size restraints, please keep your submission under 8.5 x 11.
- Please mail or hand deliver completed work to:
Sharon Hildebrand
shildebrand@librarycompany.org
Library Company of Philadelphia
1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(Hours – Mon-Fri, 9-4:45)
- Note: You must use a USPS flat rate box to mail your book. No exceptions, please. This makes it much easier for us to mail your books back to you. We will contact you when we are ready to return your book. We will ask you to email us a prepaid pdf label for your flat rate box.
- Some books will stay at SHI until February 2026 for the juried exhibition. Some will be returned after photography is complete, probably August 2025.
- We will photograph your books for our website.
- Questions: Please email Jennifer Rosner:
delawarevalleyexhibitions@guildofbookworkers.org
Requirements:
You must be a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter for the duration of the project.
The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers 