Our pals Bluffer’s are back with their weekly fix on date ideas with a difference. And they’re not even Bluffing.
So what is the London Art Book Fair?
Bring your love of art and publishing to the Whitechapel Gallery for the open evening on September 25th where, between 6 and 9pm, you can impress your art-loving date with the best in international contemporary art publishing. They promise to offer you the chance to: “Browse beautiful artists’ books, rare art publications and catalogues from over 80 publishers.” Plus there’s a packed programme of talks and events, workshops on print and bookmaking, and the chance to have your books signed by leading artists and authors.
Fancy! Get ready to impress…
Sounds amazing, what’s the deal?
Well, it’s free, so that’s a good start. The gallery’s also open on Friday 26th September from 11am to 9pm and on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September from 11am to 6pm. Entry’s free every single day. You can see bookshelves designed by Lawrence Weiner and Tobias Rehberger from the ongoing project by Onestar Press/Three Star Books, as well as display cases by Matthew Brannon. Classy, non? (As they’d say in art-loving France). So you and your date are steeped in history, art and authenticity. We can only hope you haven’t picked a fake who’ll break your heart.
So where’s the gallery?
The Whitechapel Gallery is at 77-82 Whitechapel High Street in the heart of East London where cool trend meets the heart of the city’s history. It’s been home to premieres for world-class artists for over a century. No cinema multiplex for you to impress your date. This is the real-live deal for art-loving daters. Who can fail to fall in love when they’re surrounded by gorgeous displays as well as a dining room and bookshop.
Want to impress your date further? Here’s how…
Visit Unbinding the Book, a showcase of exciting possibilities for book design of the future, presented by self-publishing platform Blurb and creative studio Jotta. Explore the phenomenon of artist novels from the collection of David Moroto/Maroto and Joanna Zielinska of The Book Lovers who will present a curated selection for the Fair.
I’m in love!
Excellent! So why not try and take the romance home (not like that, naughty!) and win 10 art books for your collection. Post a photo of your bookshelf with the hashtag #artbookshelfie on Twitter or Instagram. The winner will be selected in a prize draw on Monday 29th September. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 28th September, 6pm.
How do I get there then?
Find out more by emailing [email protected] or follow the Fair on Twitter @TheLABF
Do say: If music be the food of love, art is the fine wine that goes with it.
Don’t say: This date’s been a load of old Pollox.
