Book Arts Collection

The Rare Book Collection holds around 350 artists’ books, the majority of which are Australian made, with many created by Melbourne-based artists. The book arts can be traced back to illuminated manuscripts, and later important examples of illustrated books include the livre d’artiste, modern illustrated books and private press publications. Artists’ books are usually handmade and are published in small editions, with the artist maintaining control of production. As such, they are varied in form and may include foldouts, unbound sheets presented in a box, scrolls, or traditionally bound books. In addition to the books themselves, the collection holds materials associated with production, such as preliminary notes, sketches, plans, woodblocks and lino cuts. These objects allow us to demonstrate the steps in the creative process leading to the finished artwork. The collection includes examples of livre d'artiste by artists such as Picasso, Miro, Dali and Matisse, Tàpies, Léger, Braque, Calder, Chagall and Chillida. There are also works of Russian Constructivism, Futurism and Surrealism. The Gerard Vaughan, Ray Wilson and Ian Brown Collections of art, design and architecture reference books are another significant component of the collection.