SAMPLE BOOKS at the Science History Institute

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.

https://tinyurl.com/3kt6f34p

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. Due to size restraints, please keep your submission under 8.5 x 11. 
  4. 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)

  1. 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. 
  2. Some books will stay at SHI until February 2026 for the juried exhibition.  Some will be returned after photography is complete, probably August 2025. 
  3. We will photograph your books for our website.
  4. 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.

Exotic and Fun Storage Workshop with Rosae Reeder

Upcoming Workshop
Exotic and Fun Storage Workshop with Rosae Reeder

Saturday, March 8, 2025
10am to 4pm
Library Company of Philadelphia
$100 for current DVC-GBW members
$125 for non-members


Registration is limited to 15 persons. Reserve your spot HERE>>>>>>>>>>
Materials list will be emailed after registration is received.


Combine form and function while creating these unique artist books! In this workshop, you will create storage books from decorative paper. Learn how to fold a multitude of single-page elements that hide, tuck in, fold out, and can be used individually as well as combined to make one storage book. You make the decision as to which unique folds will end up in your final book. Single-sheet folded books are not only beautiful and tactile works of art, but they offer an immersive and creative way to explore your personal skills and aesthetic. Join us for a fun afternoon of book making!

Rosae M. Reeder (she/her) is a Book Artist / Printmaker who lives, works and teaches in Philadelphia. Rosae holds an MFA from the Book Arts/Printmaking program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and a BFA in Printmaking from The State University of New York at Buffalo. She has taught Book Arts and Letterpress at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the University of the Arts, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and other institutions around the country. She has also taught numerous workshops for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers. Her work combines various alternative photographic processes, digital collage, traditional printmaking media such as letterpress, lithography and monotype, along with book structures.

Material World Call for Entries

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is seeking submissions for Material World, an exploration of materiality of the book form. The challenge is to use non-traditional mediums and structures. Books, as most people know them, are made of a pretty short list of materials: paper, leather, parchment, silk thread, linen thread, and board. Think outside the book! Have you been collecting something with the plan to make something? Now is your time to use it.

While this project is a challenge to use a variety of different materials, we must be respectful of the host institution. No food, mold, or live books. If you are unsure feel free to send us an email. The Exhibition will be on display on the first floor at the Van Pelt Library of the University of Pennsylvania.

The final product should be a book of sorts. The only limitation is size
Size limitations: The max footprint for your book’s display should be no larger than 25”x 15” x 5”.
Shipped books MUST fit in a USPS flat rate box.

Important Dates
March 29, 2024 – Intent to Participate
June 21, 2024 – Books and Label Info Due
August 27th – Install
September 4th – Opens
December 9, 2024 – Closes
December 10, 202 – Deinstall
TBD – Visit to Materials Library at the Fisher Fine Arts Library for Inspiration
https://www.library.upenn.edu/finearts/materials-library
TBD – Reception/Artist Talk

Reminders will only be sent if you e-mail us with the intent to participate.
Please direct all communication to the delawarevalley@guildofbookworkers.org

More info

  • You must be a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter for the duration of the project.
  • Participants will be responsible for their own postage. A prepaid return label must be e-mailed to
    the DVC for return. Books will ship directly to UPenn. Address will be provided after commitment to
    participate.
  • Local drop off can be scheduled. Drop off will be to UPenn.
  • Questions? Email Valeria: delawarevalley@guildofbookworkers.org

Info about Flat Rate Boxes

If you are not dropping off and picking up your book, your book MUST fit in a USPS flat rate box.
Boxes come in small, medium, large and a bunch of other sizes.

For more info
https://store.usps.com/store/results/shipping-supplies-flat-rate/_/N-1bzu2g5

Images of some of the gallery space. Kristin for scale. Wall behind the cases will change to reflect the exhibition.

Whisper to Me: a conversation through time  

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers announces its 2023 collaborative project and exhibition, “Whisper to Me: a conversation through time”  

In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first African American to publish a book of poetry making this year the 250th Anniversary of the publication. In celebration of the anniversary, the DVCGBW has commissioned the 2022-23 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate, Telicia Darius to write a poem in response. Members of the DVCGBW are invited to create new work to celebrate these two poets. These works will be exhibited at The Historical Society of Pennsylvania in November 2023.

Phillis Wheatley, born circa 1753, was brought to North America aboard the Phillis when she was around 7-8 years old. She was sold to the Wheatley family, who taught her to read and write. Phillis was emancipated shortly after the publication of her book. She married John Peters and died in 1784 at about the age of 31. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/phillis-wheatley

Seventeen-year-old Telicia Darius is a high school senior at Hardy Williams Mastery Charter School in southwest Philadelphia. She will be attending Stanford University in the fall. Philadelphia Tribune article about her appointment of Youth Poet Laureate: https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/free-library-of-philadelphia-names-2022-23-youth-poet-laureate/article_54837a7c-416c-5cb7-9830-fce665783a60.html

Requirements:

  • Participant must make a minimum edition of two, one for exhibition and one to be given to Telicia Darius. In addition to monetary compensation, DVCGBW has agreed to give Telicia a complete set of the works.
  • Telicia Darius’ poetry is under copyright. Using copyrighted text is a new format for DVCGBW and we are committed to protect Telicia Darius’ intellectual property to the best of our ability. Participants in the project will be asked to sign a usage agreement before receiving the text of the poem.
  • Telicia Darius has agreed to grant members use of her poem to make a maximum edition of five. For larger editions, negotiations may be taken directly to Telicia Darius: teliciadarious[at]gmail[dot]com
  • Participants must be a member of DVCGBW in good standing to receive poem and participate in the exhibition.

Notes:

  • Participants are encouraged to place Telicia Darius and Phillis Wheatley in dialogue with each other.
  • Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is in the public domain. It is available on google books here:  https://rb.gy/o6ns1b
  • In anticipation of questions, the DVC will host a virtual Q&A session on April 22nd 2023 at 1pm EST.
  • Not meeting the exhibition deadline, does not negate agreement signed for use of poem.
  • Choosing not to use the poem for this project does not grant future use of poem.
  • The DVCGBW reserves the right to refuse work it deems inappropriate for exhibit.

Time Line:

  • ASAP respond to delawarevalley@guildofbookworker.org with intention to participate. The Project Collaboration Contract will be emailed, and the poem will be sent upon receipt of the Project Collaboration Contract.
  • Q&A session via Zoom: April 22nd, 2023 1pm EST. A zoom invitation will be sent out for interested parties.
  • Optional: presentation of ideas for feedback ( June 1st)? TBD – at April 22nd meeting.
  • October 1st 2023 deadline of works wishing to be considered for use in publications/press releases, social media posts, advertising the Exhibition.
  • November 1st HARD DEADLINE for work to arrive at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
  • November 2023, opening reception and book handling event.
  • Closing: January 2024.

Please share this prospectus widely.

The Bibliophile as Bookbinder: The Angling Binding of S.A. Neff, Jr.

The Bibliophile as Bookbinder: The Angling Binding of S.A. Neff, Jr.
On exhibit August 26 -December 20, 2019

Goldstein Family Gallery, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, Sixth floor
3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

This exhibition explores one man’s passion for the natural world and the world of books. Over five decades ago Mr. Neff began a serious pursuit both of trout and books on the art of angling.

Bound to Conserve: The Art of Angling and the Future of Rivers
Saturday, September 14, 1-7 PM

This symposium, in conjunction with the exhibition, The Bibliophile as Bookbinder: The Angling Bindings of S. A. Neff, Jr., will explore conservation on rivers, bookselling, collecting, and binding, all with a focus on their impact on and relationship with angling.

For more information http://www.library.upenn.edu/about/exhibits-events/neff