This past weekend The Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College hosted the American Printing History Association Conference. Chicago was the perfect location for the conference this year. The Center’s building is located in the heart of Printer’s Row. In the late nineteenth century this area was the heart of Chicago’s printing and publishing industry. The remnants of printing businesses are still visible in the area through the architecture and signage.
Printer’s Square Building
It was a two day conference which kicked off with a mini book fair. There were wonderful artists and books at the fair. There was a good variety of books that ranged from type specimen books, books on printing history, to artist books. Then Saturday was panel talk after panel talk that range from french street signage, designing typefaces, this history of printing presses, and much more.
Books by Firebrand Press
“Circus Watcher” by Ken Botnick
Dave Peat’s Gothic Sectional typeface
Lastly, there was a pop-up student gallery for students who attended the conference. This was my first APHA conference and it will not be my last.
Student Gallery works by Katie Kotan and Crane Giamo
Student Gallery works by Claire Sammons and boo Gilder
Student Gallery works by Kathi Beste and Caroline Anderson
