The London Artists’ Book Fair 2007 will open at the ICA on 23rd November.

Artists’ books are one of the last unexplored frontiers for contemporary art collectors and are therefore still eminently affordable. The fair seeks not only to promote the art form but to educate collectors in the many shapes and forms it can take.

An artist’s book is a work of art in which the idea
of the book is central. It can encompass drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, photography, graphic design or electronic arts. Some have words – others don’t – and the subject matter can range from serious literature and high art to personal passions and experience. It is not a book about
art, but an original work that might include private comment on art and artistic ideas, or be filled with poetry, beauty, fun and mischief.

Exponents have included artists as diverse as Max Ernst and Matisse in the early 20th century, David Hockney, Eduardo Paolozzi and Ed Ruscha, in the later 20th century, and more recently Damien Hirst, Tracy Emin, Jeremy Deller and David Shrigley as well as artists straight out of college.

Their work can be presented in either conventional typographic form or as unconventional, intricately folded constructed shapes or computer generated graphics printed on a variety of materials from
hand-made paper to plastic and metal. Whatever the medium, 'the key to a good artist’s book is that
it should give you a jolt,' says the fair’s organiser, Marcus Campbell.

The fair began in 1993 when Campbell, a London dealer in rare modern art books, first recognised there was potential in this area. Since then it has grown to incorporate 60 international exhibitors on three floors of the ICA.

Participants are from South Korea, Japan, Russia, Denmark, Germany, and Britain. Publishers at the fair range from the owners of internationally established fine presses to part-time enthusiasts. Prices are from £5 to a few thousand pounds.

There will be a programme of films, talks and exhibitor's events to include Hansjorg Mayer – publisher extraordinaire of artists’ books – and artist
Tom Phillips in conversation on 24th November.