AB-Z Collection
A collection of approximately 350 independent publications, including work from local, national and international artists, creators, zine makers and individuals who are interested in communicating through the form of the book, and through DIY printed publications.
The collection is held in Granton Campus Library, but can travel.
Contact jennifer.ouson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk to arrange a time to use the collection.
Aims of the collection
- Engagement: To nurture an awareness of, and an interest in, the work of artists who use the medium of the book and DIY zines and publishing practices, through making these collections easily accessible to all.
- Support: To invest in and support the work of current and alumni students and recent graduates, by holding a record of, and making accessible, their work in the collection.
- Connection: To nurture and support communities inside and outside the college, including individuals, organisations and groups, fostering mutually supportive relationships, collaborations, and conversations around artists books, zines and education.
- Amplification: To prioritise the inclusion and amplification of work by, and for, people who are marginalised, underrepresented, and discriminated against.
Origins
Edinburgh College AB_Z Collection began in 2017 when Artist in Residence, Lewis Bissett, hosted a zine making workshop week for students studying HND Contemporary Art Practice. During the workshop Lewis produced: Shite Zine: Issue Wan: A Rough Guide to Leisure Centres, and later: Shite Zine: No 2: A Rough Guide to Making a Shite Zine, and collectively the HND students produced: A Pile ‘o’ Shite Zines.
An event was held, including crisp butties, fizzy pop, and conversations about artists publishing, doing it yourself, and creating inclusive spaces for making and talking. Copies of the zines produced were donated to the library and that was that, the start of the collection that has grown to hold 250+ Zines and Artists’ Books.
Introduction to Artists’ Books and Zines
Our collection co-ordinator Jen Ouson introduces you to her role, the collection and the history of both artists’ books and zines.
Click on the link below then scroll along this short course to find out more.
AB-Z Collection Catalogue
Around 200+ of the items have been added to the catalogue.
We will continue to add the further 150 zines and artists’ books that are still to be added, into the catalogue for you to search.
Once all 350+ items are added, as the collection grows, so will the catalogue.
Student Work
View student work made in response to the AB-Z Collection by visiting our Clickview folder.
(Edinburgh College access only).
A selection of work is also available to view on our Instagram page for everyone to see.
Contact and Social Media
Follow us on Instagram @ab_zcollection
To find out more about the collection, arrange a visit, or collaborate please contact our collection co-ordinator:
Jen Ouson
Academic Library Liaison
AB-Z Collection Co-ordinator
jennifer.ouson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk
