Artists' books are books created by artists, and often illustrated with original artwork. Artists' books can take any format, from traditional codexes to tunnel books to sculptural works. The Rare Book Room in McCabe Library has a notable collection of artists' books and an actively growing collection of works created by Queer artists, which are featured in the exhibition.
Tuesday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Mar. 23, McCabe Library Atrium (1rst floor)
Associated with the Pop Art movement, Ed Ruscha had a huge impact on the development of artists’ books, publishing 16 of them between 1962 and 1978. He published these books in multiples—highly visible, accessible, and inexpensive. His works established a new paradigm for artists’ books, turning away from the traditional ideals of craftsmanship, luxury, and exclusivity. His influence continues to this day. This exhibition features Ruscha books in our collection displayed alongside works that were inspired directly by them.
Exhibition: Friday, Jan. 17–Sunday, Mar. 30, McCabe Library Cratsley Lounge (2nd floor)
This exhibition highlights some of the notable and eclectic works that are part of the collection, a number of which were donated to the college by alumni.
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This gallery showcases the many works in the collection with themes related to nature, climate, and the environment.
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This gallery features our photography artists’ books, connected through their innovative and creative use of photography.
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This gallery contains works by Cuala Press, a female-run Irish private press in the early 20th century headed by Elizabeth Yeats, which were donated by Kevin Quigley '74 and Susan Flaherty.
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This gallery highlights sculptural artists' books in the collection in the shape of everyday objects.
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The exhibition features more than190 images taken during the COVID-19 pandemic by 36 photographers representing 19 different nationalities.
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This gallery contains a notable variety of works in the collection featuring bird imagery, highlighting the enduring interest in ornithology.
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This gallery features works about bridges from both the Bathe Collection in the History of Technology and the arts and the Book Arts and Private Press Collection.
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This gallery contains works created in response to 9/11 that are part of the collection.
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This gallery presents works by book artists created around the Covid pandemic.
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The poet W.H. Auden taught at Swarthmore. This exhibition features rare documents and unique artifacts from our W.H. Auden Collection.
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