The Concertina-Fold Book across Time, Space, and Cultures
Concertina, accordion, screenfold—various terms have been applied to this kind of fan-fold book structure. Although now seen as novelties, concertinas were once found worldwide. They were even the predominant or sole bookform in some places, before the imperial spread of the codex from, mainly, China and Europe. I am currently leading a collaborative project, The Concertina-Fold Book across Time, Space and Cultures, that establishes an international network of conservators, curators and academics dedicated to the study, display and care of concertinas across traditional disciplinary and institutional bounds. Participants in the project will pool and expand their understanding of concertinas, first through virtual workshops, then through in-person object study days where—for the first time—examples from different cultures will be examined side-by-side and considered comparatively. The project culminates in two public events: a Conversation on the Concertina at the Bodleian Libraries Centre for the Study of the Book and a hybrid public symposium at Lambeth Palace Library, where findings will be shared with broader audiences. Future outputs include an edited volume, templates for cataloguing concertinas and guides for their physical and digital preservation. The initial phase of the project is made possible by support from The Royal Society of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, and the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Concertina-Fold Books across Time, Space and Cultures: A Conversation (in-person only)
1 May 2025, 3–4pm at The Centre for the Study of the Book at the Bodleian Libraries
Find out more about the event and register here: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/event/may25/concertina-fold-books
Concertina-Fold Books across Time, Space and Cultures: A Symposium (hybrid)
2 May 2025, 10am–5:30pm at Lambeth Palace Library
https://www.lambethpalacelibrary.info/event/concertina-fold-books-across-time-space-and-cultures-symposium/
This is a hybrid event and can be attended in person or online, registration required by 1 May. Follow this link to register to attend in person, this link to attend online or email archives@churchofengland.org.
This event is part of programming for the Unfolding Time: The Medieval Pocket Calendar exhibition open now through 15 May 2025
