SPECIALITY PRESSES

‘Artists’ books’ are books conceived by artists as artworks in their own right. They are usually inexpensive to make, with the exception of exclusive collector books, and are produced in large or open editions, making them democratically available. The appeal of an artists’ book lies in its ability to distribute the artwork to a larger audience, increasing its social qualities and political possibilities, as it flows outside of mainstream channels.

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Many artists’ books are either self- published, produced by small presses like Hoxton Mini Press or by artists’ collectives, such as AMBruno. Fine artists and book artists work exclusively in this medium, whilst other books are created through collaboration with illustrators, writers, poets, book binders and printers. Artists’ books that follow the conventional book structure are known as book works or book art, whilst those that reference the shape of a book but push the boundaries of the conventional book in terms of content and physical structure, are known as book objects. Some artists also choose to work with computer generated imagery and some instead using photocopied prints of their work. 

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Artists’ books became popular throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with the genre continuing to expand exponentially today, and according to Caroline Roche, a shift has occurred in the last 5 years, with artists’ books and printed matter gaining greater prominence through a rapid increase in artists’ book fairs. In her article ‘Artist’s Self-Publishing: Where the Digital and Handmade Coexist’, she questions what the demise of the physical book and publishing means for self-publishing artists, despite their increasing prominence in popularity through book fairs, which create an interest in the exchange of ideas and criticism through publication. Roche explains that that control, dissemination and distribution of ideas remain at the heart of artists self-publishing, which allows a culture that offers “freedom from the editorial restrictions exerted by mainstream publishing and print distribution processes, whilst also circumventing gallery systems to reach new audiences.” Roche also quotes Arnaud Desjardin of The Everyday Press, speaking at the Cardiff symposium The Centre is Here/Self-Publishing in 2013, who says that “The industrial format of publishing is over” as “Today, you need to pay attention to the materiality of the book.” He states that “In the art world, most books are not published to be sold, so the function of the artists’ book is hugely complex. They are a liberating form for distributing artists’ ideas”, which as Roche notes, demonstrate that contemporary self-publishing is an art practice due to its ability to utilise a multitude of mediums and tools. Roche identifies that in the post digital climate, artists and their published material will thrive as the digital and hand-made coexist in symbioses, with artists’ self-publishing being in a uniquely dynamic position and embracing, exploiting and disrupting issues of content control, editing and dissemination.

 

In conclusion, self-published artists’ books hold unparalleled scope in the publishing industry, for their ability to survive in the digital age by defying common issues found with publishing, utilising cheaper print practices allowing a larger audience distribution. Furthermore, its multifaceted use of different mediums, tools for collaborative and exclusive creation processes results in dynamic artworks that subverts the traditional publishing model that simply makes sense to artists.

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6 Recommended European and UK based Artist Books Publishers:

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Edition Patrick Frey – A Zurich-based publisher with over 30 years of experience who specialises in finely printed, intricately designed books with small print runs at a fair price. Edition Patrick Frey has a focus on providing emerging artists with their initial publication platform, and then maintaining a long collaboration with its artists in years to come

 

Roma Publications – An Amsterdam-based publication company founded by graphic designer Roger Willems, and artists Mark Manders and Marc Nagtzaam. It was initially formed as a platform for the founder’s own work but eventually expanded to other invited artists. They print a wide array of publications, from exclusive collector books to affordable publications, with a natural focus on Netherlands based artists, but include collaborations with Dutch and Belgian institutions and have a reputation for long collaborations with its artists.

 

Kiosk – A London based publisher, helmed by Nick Greenbank, that focuses on self-published zines and artist books from young creatives. It is recognised for its platform to give emerging artists, illustrators and designers a voice by promoting their work and collaborating to produce publications. The organisation also currently curates the Kiosk Independent Publishers Fair.

 

Ditto Press – A Hackney based small press publisher that specialises in colourful risograph-printed art books that was founded by Ben Freeman in 2009, who is also the Founder and Creative Director of Future Artefacts and Art Director for Mushpit magazine

 

Hoxton Mini Press – London Fields based indie publishers, Martin Usborne and Ann Waldvogel have been widely successful in selling print matter through a photobook formula. They collaborate with photographers, with most of their books produced about East London, however they are broadening their scope to other themes but still with a focus on urban, niche themes.

 

AMBruno – An example of an artist collective/ or coalition established in 2008 by MA Fine Art Graduates from Central Saint Martins. Coordinated by Sophie Loss, the group produce and show work for exhibitions and specialist book fairs, engaging with a specific theme, with participation from artists based throughout the UK and internationally