Art & Design: Artists's Books & Special Collections

Our special collections are viewable by making an appointment. They are mainly shown to whole classes for inspiration purposes. Contact Gill to make an appointment to see them.

Artists' books are works of art in their own right, inspired by but not necessarily following the book format.   They are made in limited numbers and mostly handmade.  The library started collecting them in the 1960s when the artists' book movement became popular.   Watch the video opposite for a brief overview.

You can search for artists' books on Locate.  

Notable artists in our collection include: Ed Ruscha, Franticham, Randy Klein and John Dilnot.   If you wish to see the collection please contact Gill Evans (gill.evans@coventry.ac.uk) or Olivia Llewellyn (olivia.llewellyn@coventry.ac.uk).

Zines are cheaply produced self-published magazines with a small print run, often with a subcultural/political theme or intention.  They are a popular means of disseminating personal views on topics as broad as fiction, politics, arts, feminism, social issues and sex.   Their popularity has grown during recent years, seen as an alternative means of publishing in the digital age.  The library started collecting these in 2016 so our collection is still small, but growing!  

If you wish to see the zines please contact either Gill Evans (gill.evans@coventry.ac.uk) or Olivia Llewellyn (olivia.llewellyn@coventry.ac.uk).

Visionaire is a unique magazine publication, published in conjunction with designers, artists and luxury goods makers aimed at challenging the way we view the book format and package information.   Art and design students come to view the collection as a class or individually for inspiration for their own work.

The library holds a number of rare titles available for viewing for example:

A copy of Gazette du Bon Ton - French fashion magazine published 1912-1925

Textile manufacturers of India - fabric samples from the 1870s