Opening in June, a new art book fair hosted at the ICA intends to be the first in London to focus exclusively on the role of the dealer.
A collaborative effort between the Institute of Contemporary Arts and Claire de Rouen Books, Room&Book is a three day art book fair hosted in the gallery’s Nash and Brandon Rooms. Featuring the best specialist bookshops in the UK, as well as a raft of zine, magazine and artist’s book experts, the event promises to bringing together some of the most important characters in the avant-garde and independent publishing scene.
Room&Book will also showcase a selection of artists whose work explores the limits of contemporary book design, such as the estimable Chris Flamm. In addition, there will be a series of events running alongside the fair, with highlights including a reading by the artist Bruno Zhu and a panel discussion analysing the concept of the ‘new rare’, or what rarity means to publishing in a world of print-on-demand.
According to Lucy Moore, Director at Claire de Rouen Books: “We’re experiencing a golden age in publishing — from a cultural perspective, it’s as vital as ever and sitting comfortably within our digital age. I hope Room&Book will celebrate the abundant creation, distribution and collection of all kinds of art publications”
Publishers participating in the fair include Elegantly Papered, Koenig Books, Louis Vuitton Maison
Librarie, Simon Finch, Maggs Bros, Quaritch and 20th Century Art Archives. Each will be presenting a selection of some of their most celebrated titles from the last thirty years as well as future projects.
Room&Book — ICA Art Book Fair
6 - 8 June 2014
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
ica.org.uk