Binding:
Henri Mercher
French, 1912-1976
Black morocco with inlays of gray leather, white-tooling, white-stamped lettering; gilt edges
Date: c. 1959

Book:
Joan Miró
Spanish, 1893-1983
A toute épreuve (Foolproof)
Gérald Cramer, Geneva, Switzerland, 1958
Color and black and white woodcuts, collagraphs, and collage; letterpress
Text by Paul Éluard
Gift of Bruce B. Dayton B.83.1

Cover Story: Master Bookbindings from the Collection

Saturday, May 29, 2010—Sunday, October 31, 2010
Gallery 369
Free Exhibition

The art and craft of fine bookbinding is the focus of this exhibition of decorative bindings by noted French, Belgian, English, and American artists and designers. Selected from the MIA's permanent collection, the display includes exquisite handcrafted bindings by such luminaries as Henri Noulac, Charles de Samblanx, Henri Blanchetiere, George Crette, Jacques Anthoine-Legrain, Henri Creuzevault, Pierre-Lucien Martin, Charles Septier, Henri Mercher, Georges Leroux, and the London firm of Sangorski & Sutcliffe. Prized for their exceptional artistry and masterful technique, most of the featured bindings were produced on commission between 1920 and 1960, the often-cited "golden age" of fine bookbinding when patronage and collecting were at a peak. Also on view is a selection of highly original bindings and book enclosures by contemporary artists and designers, including works by Jim Dine, Ruth Lingen, Timothy C. Ely, David Rathman, Sara Dochow, and Anselm Kiefer. Rounding out the display are several important examples of chemises, doublures, and ornamental brocade paper.