A presentation of the best designed books of 2014, ranging from projects by well-known publishers to museum catalogues, anniversary publications and rare, privately-published books. With the book of ‘Kon Makandra, Amsterdam-Paramaribo Paramaribo-Amsterdam’, designed by Tammo Schuringa and Karien Wielinga with a contribution of Henri Snel.
Each year, the Stedelijk Museum and the Stichting De Best Verzorgde Boeken present the most distinguished book designs of the past year. A total of 298 book designs were submitted for the 2014 contest; of which 33 finalists were selected. Their submissions will go on display on September 5 in the heart of the design circuit at the Stedelijk Museum.
The exhibition presents publications that feature outstanding design, typography, visual flow and technical graphic production, and a harmonious balance between form and content. The selection includes publications from renowned publishing houses, museum catalogues, commemorative corporate publications and rare self-published volumes.
Expert jury
The expert jury responsible for this year’s selection of designs comprised publisher Hanca Leppink, graphic designers Marlies Visser and Hans Bockting, printing advisor Johan Holterman, and Bregitta Kramer, lecturer, print coordinator and book binder.
Tradition
The exhibition of The Best Dutch Book Designs has a long-standing tradition at the Stedelijk Museum. The inaugural presentation was mounted in 1932, after which the exhibition has been held annually, with a few exceptions. The Dutch Best Verzorgde Boeken is the oldest contest of its kind in Europe to be judged by an expert jury.