February 2011 Events

On Thursday, February 10th, 2011, 6:45pm to 8:30pm, Alain Touwaide will present a seminar for the Smithsonian Resident Associates Program entitled History of the Book: Papyrus to E-Book in only 4,000 years. He will discuss the intricacies of the book’s evolution, from laborious papyrus-making to mechanical reproduction made possible by the printing press. 

The seminar complements the course From the Ancient Book to Your Book, scheduled on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 10:00am to 4:30pm. This 7-hour session will open with a short presentation by Alain Touwaide on aspects of book history that correlate with the day’s lessons. Then artists Michael Gilbert, Patricia Miranda, and Katie Wagner specializing in book restoration, miniature painting, gilding, calligraphy, and artistic binding regale students with demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on exercises.