Planning an Exhibition

The Smithsonian Institution Libraries is planning an exhibition featuring the art of paper engineering in the production of books with moving parts (e.g., peep shows, volvelles, accordion books, pop-up books, etc.) published from15th century to modern times.

 Fold, Pull, Pop & Turn: Books That Move brings together more than fifty remarkable examples of books—created over the past 500 years to explore themes related to their design, history, educational and social relevance. The exhibition will attract families with young children, casual museum visitors, and—more advanced students of book design and paper engineering; they will experience the diverse ways in which mechanical books have been magically transformed, enhancing their ability to both educate and entertain.

The art of the book appeals to educators and art teachers seeking examples for class projects and to all who are fascinated by how things are constructed. A series of lectures by paper engineers and collectors will supplement the exhibition; a workshop will teach participants how to make a movable book. Interactive videos will demonstrate paper engineering techniques.

There will also be this online version that will allow those who are unable to come to Washington, D.C. to see the exhibition and to provide additional learning materials.—Elizabeth Periale