The Stanford University Libraries will host an exhibition marking the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the Hand Bookbinders of California. The exhibition will open Thursday, July 19, 2012, in the Peterson Gallery and Munger Rotunda, Green Library, Stanford University, and continue through Wednesday, September 5.

Formed in March 1972, the Hand Bookbinders of California was from its inception devoted to promoting and supporting the craft of traditional Western hand bookbinding. The founding group included some of the Bay Area’s most influential collectors, among them Duncan Olmstead and Gale Herrick, and many binders and teachers of binding, such as Stella Patri and Leah Wollenberg. Membership is open to binders of all skill levels anywhere in the world as well as anyone interested in its mission. Members are encouraged to enter their work in the annual, non-juried exhibition.

In addition to contemporary members’ bindings, this year’s exhibition at Stanford includes fine design bindings selected from the Libraries’ Special Collections. Bindings by Paul Bonet and Pierre Lucien Martin represent the strong French influence on the work of Bay Area teachers of binding, many of whom studied in France. Also on display is work by some of the organization’s early members and teachers, including Belle McMurtry Young, Peter Fahey, Florence Walter, Betty Lou Chaika, Donald Glaister, Joanne Sonnichsen, Barbara Fallon Hiller, Anne Kahle, and Eleanore Ramsey.

An opening reception is planned for Thursday, July 19, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Green Library Bing Wing Rotunda, Stanford University.

Exhibit cases are illuminated Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. The gallery is accessible whenever Green Library is open; hours vary with the academic schedule. To confirm library hours, call 650-723-0931 or go visit the hours webpage.

The map of campus and transportation information page can also help you plan your visit.

NOTE: The exhibition is free and open to the public; first-time visitors and those without Stanford ID must register at the entrance to Green Library before entering the building.

In the fall of 2012, the exhibition will travel to F. W. Olin Library, Mills College, Oakland, where the books will be displayed with bindings from Mills’ Special Collections, October 17 – December 12.

Further information is available on the Hand Bookbinders of California website.

Logo design by Marilyn Danny Swanson; banner design by Elizabeth Fischbach.