Competitions

Designer Bookbinders International Bookbinding Competition 2013
In association with Mark Getty and the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, Great Britain

It is with great pleasure that Designer Bookbinders announces the 2nd International Bookbinding Competition in association with Mark Getty and the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford. There will be no ‘set book’. Instead the competition will have the theme of Shakespeare. The binder may choose any edition of Shakespeare’s work in any language. They can choose his dramas, his poetic works, a single play or a collected volume, or a text relating to his life and work.

It is hoped that in freeing the binders from the constraints of a ‘set book’, entrants will be stimulated by the opportunity to source and work with a text of their choice and feel encouraged to use a wide range of structures, materials and design techniques. It is worth noting that many collectors place great importance on the quality of the text as well as the style of the binding. It is expected that there will be greater potential for binders to sell their work subsequently as there will not be multiple bindings of the same text on offer.

Prizes
The Sir Paul Getty Bodleian Bookbinding Prizes
1st Prize GBP 10,000
2nd Prize GBP 6,000
A further 25 highly-commended entrants will receive a silver prize

The prizewinners will be announced at the Award Ceremony which will take place during a two-day event in Oxford in June 2013.

Judging
The jury will be comprised of an international panel of judges chaired by Richard Ovenden, Deputy Librarian of the Bodleian Libraries. The jury will be looking for a high standard of craftsmanship and technical ability with relation to the bookbinding process. Successful entries will show evidence of good forwarding and structural functionality, together with original, innovative and accomplished design.

Exhibition
The touring exhibition will comprise approximately 100 selected entries and will open during the two day event at the Bodleian Library in June 2013. A European tour is planned for 2013-14. When the exhibition visits a country, every entrant from that country will be invited to exhibit alongside the selected exhibition entries. A full-colour catalogue will be produced illustrating ALL entries.

Entry Fee
GBP 75.00 per entry

Registration
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to read the Competition Rules here (2-page PDF) before registering.
• To register online via PayPal, please click here.
• If you would prefer to download a registration form and send it to us by post, please click here.

Back