30th Anniversary Benefit Auction at University of Iowa Libraries

In 1984 Conservator Bill Anthony established a conservation program to address the physical needs of the collections at the University of Iowa Libraries, from stabilization and simple repairs to complex rebinding projects. In 1987 the Lab merged with the newly formed Preservation Department to provide treatment to circulating and non-circulating materials in all the University Libraries. With funding from the Mellon Foundation, Anthony created conservation apprenticeships that mirrored his traditional training as a bookbinder. Today that teaching legacy continues with preservation and conservation classes, mentorships, and student positions in the Conservation Lab. In partnership with the University of Iowa Center for the Book, students involved in bookbinding, papermaking and printing can further their study of the book through conservation treatment.

In celebration of Bill Anthony's legacy, the Conservation Lab is hosting an auction to benefit the William Anthony Conservation Fund, which supports ongoing conservation activities and special projects. The Auction will feature fine bindings from “alumni” and friends of the Conservation Lab, including Mark Esser, Pamela Spitzmueller, Gary Frost, Penny McKean, Anna Embree, Julie Leonard, Emily Martin, William Minter, Lawrence Yerkes, Bill Voss, Caitlin Moore, and handmade tools from Shanna Leino. Please visit our blog: http://blog.lib.uiowa.edu/preservation/ for images of the bindings and profiles of the amazing artists who have contributed their work.

The auction will be held in Special Collections, 3rd floor of the Main Library, on November 13th from 6-8pm, however it is possible to bid online. More details are available at http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/preservation/30years/.