International Artist's Book Fair BABE 2011

I had the pleasure to visit the BABE 2011 Artist's Book Fair last weekend held at the Arnolfini in Bristol. Situated on the waterfront with cafés and bars its is a wonderful location particularly on a warm sunny day. The fair takes place every two years and brings together many of the UK's finest makers of artist books, altered books, book binders and small printing presses as we a modest contingent from abroad.

Organised in conjunction with the Centre for Fine Print Research at the University of the West of England (UWE) stalls filled every available space in the three galleries of the Arnolfini - clearly a significant event for exhibitors and visitors alike. Book Art is a huge artistic endeavour in the US and from what I can gather is slowly gathering interest and momentum here. it is a discipline I feel very drawn to as readers of the blog will know from my first experience of 'having a go', with Carolyn Trant who was exhibiting at BABE. Other highlights included Pauline Lamon Fisher, whose work "Walking a Found Map', 2010, edition of 25, I found particularly engaging and beautifully presented. See photographs of my copy here.

Also Larissa Cox, Sarah at Trigger Editions, Jo Bird at the Bookbinders Collective, several artists had done designs for the wonderful Folio Society. 

Finding myself near Sloane Square recently I noticed this wonderful 'booky' window display at Hackett. We can find inspiration all around us if we only care to look.