by Les Phipps – Business Development Manager
To some, the use of books in art or decoration is seen as heresy, to see books that are used in some way other than to be read, is something they would rather never see happen!
I have a different opinion, I class myself as an avid reader and book lover, but if they’re not going to be read, then why not use them in different and interesting ways. I can’t think of many things that look better than a wall of books, be it decorating the wall of a pub or restaurant or any public space and who knows, maybe someone will be inspired to actually pick one up to read.
There are many creative artists out there working with paper and books and I can only admire the inventiveness of some of them who have literally turned a single book into a piece of art, whether it is through a collage or book sculpture, take a look here for some truly inspired work.
There are some clever retailers out there that have taken old books and are selling them in different ways, we are currently supplying customers who take old/vintage books and sell them packaged with, beer, coffee, tea which make really great gifts.
On a basic level, simply filling a shelf with books with decorative spines is an effective way to decorate and create a really interesting installation in a house. This can be taken a step further by creating themes, either by use of colour or by genre. Having a shelf filled with vintage sci-fi books can look amazing as some of the artwork on these books are stunning or perhaps a wall of the classic vintage Penguin paperbacks, there really are a myriad of ways to use books other than to read!
In recent months we have supplied books to design companies who create vintage book tower displays in retail outlets, to a film company who were looking for 70’s books for a film set to individuals who wanted to create table displays at a wedding. Already this year, we have supplied books to fit out a number of pubs restaurants up and down the country so if you are looking for inspiration for a spring refresh, look no further than decorating with books!
Stop by our wholesale category here at World of Rare Books.