Press Release 1/31/2024

As the CODEX event unfolds, the American Bookbinders Museum extends a warm invitation to all book enthusiasts to join us at the free Opening Reception of Bound to be Different: Hand Bindings from Private Presses.

Large publishing houses develop a book’s content. Bookmakers manufacture the books. They generally operate as separate entities. This is not the case in a private press—the proprietor is a publisher and also the bookmaker. It is no exaggeration to say that a private press “does it all.” Bound to be Different features limited editions from eleven of these private presses. With works ranging from the historic Kelmscott Press to contemporary artisans who continue to redefine the boundaries of bookbinding as an art form.

Spend your evening mingling with private press proprietors and fellow book lovers alike over complimentary refreshments. Enjoy a screening of the award-winning short film, Barbarian Press, which gives insight into the dedication that goes into each hand-bound volume.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, in town for CODEX, or simply someone with a love for books, the Opening Reception of Bound to be Different is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry of bookbinding.

Saturday, February 3rd, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, at the American Bookbinders Museum located at 355 Clementina Street. For more information about the event, please visit bookbindersmuseum.org or contact patronservices@bookbindersmuseum.org.

About the American Bookbinders Museum (ABM)

The American Bookbinders Museum is the only museum of its kind in North America, sharing the history and tools of bookbinding from the 1600s to the early 1900s. We tell the story of the book, presenting the art of western bookbinding as a hand process through early mechanization, promoting a deeper understanding of the impact of book production on the American experience. We maintain a special archive of bookbinding books, periodicals, and ephemera that is unique and free to use. The American Bookbinders Museum is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. To learn more visit us at https://bookbindersmuseum.org/ and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.