The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers invites submissions for Paper First, a year-long exhibition presented in the historic Homestead at Rittenhouse Town in Philadelphia, home of the nation’s first paper mill.
This exhibition celebrates paper as a material of possibility at the site where American papermaking began. Paper First will open on Saturday, June 27, 2026 and remain on view for one year, through June 2027.
The opening celebration for Paper First will be on June 27, 2026 at 11:00am in conjunction with the Firstival celebration honoring Rittenhouse Town’s role in the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Paper First aims to highlight the many facets of paper – from creative craft to cultural catalyst. Paper can become books, bibles, ballots, bills, broadsides, contracts, currency…and so much more. Paper creates laws, nations, our lives, and our histories. And paper is rich with meaning and questions: Who writes or prints on paper, and who reads? Whose stories and lives become books, and whose never meet the page? Who signs a paper check, and who gets paid? Material, personal, political, environmental — what else might paper communicate and celebrate?
Paper First invites submissions that amplify the importance and possibilities of paper in book arts, bindings, or paper- or fiber-forward works of art. Creative interpretations are welcome as are works which celebrate paper-first thinking and Rittenhouse Town’s role in papermaking history.
Paper First will be installed throughout the historic Homestead building at Rittenhouse Town. Display possibilities include hanging, glass cases, and domestic areas such as fireplace mantels and windowsill surfaces. Additional installation details will be shared with artists who intend to participate. Pictures of the homestead/spaces and some artifacts can be seen here.
Size notes:
If mailing submissions, please use small or medium size limitations for USPS flat-rate boxes as pre-paid return labels are required. Other, general size limitations = approx. 8 x 10 x 2 inches with some room for variation. Additional size specifications will be shared.
Accessibility / Security notes:
Rittenhouse Town is in a natural area of the Wissahickon Park with uneven ground. There is a paved driveway with parking and drop-off areas and some seating/benches throughout the site. The Homestead building is accessed via a small bridge and slate pavers, but has a stair-free, entry-level floor with exhibition/display areas. The second-floor exhibition spaces are accessed via steep, narrow, historic stairs. A Staff member is present when the Homestead building is open to the public. Visitors of all ages may visit this exhibition.
Important Dates
- Intention to participate extended to March 11 – email: delawarevalleyexhibitions@guildofbookworkers.org
- Submissions due via mail or person to University of Pennsylvania Library: by May 15
- Label info and Loan Agreement: due by May 15 with submission
- Installation: approx. June 15
- Opening event: “Firstival” event – Saturday, June 27, 2026 – 11:00am to 1:00pm
- Closing / de-install: June 2027, date TBD, pick-up at UPenn Library or mailed via pre-paid USPS box
Important Information
– You must be a member of the Guild of Bookworkers or the Delaware Valley Chapter for the duration of the project
– Philadelphia in-person drop off location is UPenn Library – you will need to text to arrange – all details to follow
– Shipped books MUST fit in a USPS flat rate box with return postage paid and shipped to University of Pennsylvania Library – details and mailing address to follow
– Participants will be responsible for their own postage and shipping costs
– A pre-paid return label must be e-mailed to the DVC for return
– More specifics can be found out by emailing: delawarevalleyexhibitions@guildofbookworkers.org
Reminders and updates will only be sent to those with intent to participate.
Exhibitions questions?
The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers 