AB-Z Collection

A collection of approximately 500 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 people who use the medium of the book, DIY zines and publishing practices. By making the collection accessible to all, and through a series of workshops exploring and producing work in response to the medium.

• 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 DIY publishing 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 500+ Zines and Artists’ Books.

AB-Z Collection Catalogue

Over 300 publications have been added to the catalogue so far.

We will continue to add further items and as the collection continues to grow, 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: