Biblio

Biblio is a series of works on paper, made using a library of formative books the artist shipped from America to the U.K. in the late 1990s, largely monographs of influential Twentieth Century painters. McMillan wraps each carefully selected book in paper before dipping it in ink or oil paint to create a new work.

An homage to artists books, this richly illustrated publication brings together this body of work for the first time. With texts by Deborah Levy and Bill Sherman.

Published by Koenig Books.

Biblio, Jeff McMillan. Published by Koenig Books. Design by VIKA

A new Biblio artwork for the Biblio book

For the cover, Jeff and VIKA worked together to create an entirely new Biblio. An advance dummy of the book was wrapped in india paper and dipped in ink and oil paint to create a new work.

The new artwork was then scanned, retouched and printed on India style paper to create perfectly fitting, french-folded jacket.

To ensure the integrity of the printed artwork, the title Biblio was foil blocked in white on the front and spine.

‘The process of making a book was collaborative and inventive. I am very pleased with the result.’

Jeff McMillan, artist

Jeff McMillan press-passing in Italy
Jeff McMillan press-passing at Graphicom, Italy

The design of the Biblio book was centered around simplicity and
carrying through a strong concept that reflected the work.

The typography chosen was Baskerville, an elegant, popular
and pivotable typeface in book design. The face represented a
deliberate move away from the Old Style faces and foretold the
Moderns typefaces that were to follow. It is easy to read and looks
good in large sizes, meaning it could be used throughout and
create a strong cover.

The cover is designed as a new artwork. It was created using the
same process as the artworks that the book represents: wrapping
a book in paper, dipping and painting the edges, and then
unwrapping again.