Six Centuries of Master Bookbinding
at Bridwell Library

10 February - 29 April 2006

In Spring of 2006, Bridwell Library for the first time devoted an exhibition entirely to highlights from its significant collection of master bookbindings. The exhibition focused on the rich history of decorative binding styles, from the elaborate stamped leather and gold-tooled bindings of the Renaissance to the innovative, colorful, and textually responsive design bindings of the late twentieth century. The accompanying catalog, which illustrates and describes more than fifty master bindings, provides an introduction to the history of binding techniques and explores how this ever-changing art form serves as a mirror of society, as well.

This exhibition of master bookbindings also served as a significant historical overture to Bridwell Library's Helen Warren DeGolyer American Bookbinding Competition and its associated conference and exhibition, which opened in June 2006.