A is for Alphabet this summer at the library

Learn your ABC’s this summer at a fun new exhibition at Auckland’s Central City Library. ABC: Decorative Initials and Alphabets will feature distinctive designs and typography from some of the rare books and medieval manuscripts held in Auckland Libraries’ Sir George Grey Special Collections.

The free exhibition opens on November 11 and runs till February 14. Illustrators, designers, artists, readers, families and children can all enjoy a range of interesting “ABC” design from 15th century medieval manuscripts through to 21st century alphabet books.

Cr Cathy Casey, chair of the Community Development and Safety Committee says that the exhibition is a chance for Aucklanders to see the treasures available for free on their front doorstep.

“This exhibition is a visual feast of colours and letters that will be very appealing to the public, and is perfect as part of Auckland Council’s summer programming at our libraries and parks.”

ABC: Decorative Letters and Initials is not just for typography geeks but very accessible to people of all ages, says Georgia Prince, curator and manager of the Sir George Grey Special Collections.

“Before the advent of page numbering and chapter headings, readers found their way around handwritten manuscripts by way of decorative initials.”
“Through the centuries, book designers have enjoyed using decorative initials, from early printers through to modern book artists. Decorative initials often feature in alphabet books too, both for children and adults, where illustrators can explore the wilder side of letter forms and fonts,” she says.

ENDS

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