A Look at Artists' Books: Developing Collections at The Met

Participants enjoying a selection of limited-edition artists' books from the Robert J. Ruben and Yvonne Korshak Ruben collection of artists' books. Photo by Andrijana Sajic

On November 7, Watson Library hosted a symposium, A Look at Artists' Books: Developing Collections at The Met. The intent of the symposium, developed by Jared Ash, Ken Soehner, Tony White, and myself, was to interpret and share the Museum's growing and diverse collection of artists' books with an experienced onsite audience and with the public, thanks to online streaming. This year marks the fifth year since Watson Library has been actively building its study collection of artists' publications and making it available to the public, a collection that has been built with funds provided by Friends of Thomas J. Watson Library and through the gifts of generous donors.

Two of our donors presented at the symposium: Dr. Robert J. Ruben, who has given seventy limited-edition artists' books to the Library; and Lilliana Dematteis, who recently donated her collection of more than 1,300 artists' books from the 1960s to the 2000s, the great majority by Italian artists. Combined with the holdings of artists' books in the Department of Drawings and Prints and the Department of Photographs, The Met now has a collection of considerable depth and international scope.

The vitrine display that Holly Phillips created for visitors. These include artists' books from the Ruben and Dematteis collections. Photo by Holly Phillips

The format of the symposium consisted of twelve speakers presenting in three thematic sessions. Together, they addressed the history, creation, collecting, and conservation of artists' books. Ken Soehner, Arthur K. Watson Chief Librarian, launched the day with a characteristically animated welcome and review of the library's growing pains as it pertains to collecting artists' books, and he reinforced the Library's commitment to growing and making our collection accessible, stating:

We have opened our collections to all library researchers and have active outreach and instructional programs to promote use of the collections; we welcome researchers six days a week; we have broadened the already wide international scope of our collections, always in alignment with The Met's mission and collecting aspirations; our special collection have been reanimated; we have built digital collections that receive more than 150,000 page hits per month; over the past decade we have added many significant publications in the broad field of the arts of the book; and we have opened the door to artists' books and will continue to build a broad study collection.

The vitrine display that Holly Phillips created for visitors. These include artists' books from the Ruben and Dematteis collections. Photo by Holly Phillips

In addition to the lecture program, a showing of artists' books and five jam-packed, inspiring vitrines of artists' books from the Watson Library collection were on display for participants to enjoy and discuss with our staff, collectors, and artists during the lively reception that succeeded the talks. Holly Phillips, associate manager of collection development and special collections, will be writing an In Circulation article soon about the display and the donors who have contributed to the collection.

The symposium served as a reunion for many. Hedi Kyle (left) and Susan Gosin (right) enjoying themselves at the afternoon reception. Photo by Cynthia Thompson

Robert J. Ruben and Yvonne Korshak Ruben viewing the display in the library’s Periodicals Room. Photo by Andrijana Sajic

Watson Library's Florence and Herbert Irving Reading Room abuzz with inspired guests. Photo by Mindell Dubansky

Paul John, Lilliana Dematteis, and Jared Ash (right) enjoying a selection of the library's collection of artists' books. Photo by Cynthia Thompson

While we all had a wonderful day in celebration of our collection, our goal is for researchers, artists, and educators to use it! The collection is composed of artists' books, zines, bookworks, artist magazines, pamphlets, and other related forms of artists' publishing. It is international in scope, and includes artists' files, reference books, dealer catalogs, pricelists, and journals to support scholarship and research on these important publications.

See our guide to accessing collections and library resources for information on finding and requesting artists' books at The Met.

Successful events like A Look at Artists' Books: Developing Collections at The Met require the effort of many. I'd like to thank all those who made this event so enjoyable. This includes the Watson staff who created and helped prepare for and during the program, as well as those in the Drawings and Prints, Education, and Media Services departments. Thanks also to the staff and participants who sent the photos for this article.

The full symposium program was filmed and will soon be available on the Museum's website and is currently available through Facebook (session one and session two).