An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into something else. I particularly like the ones that leave the book contents somewhat intact, making a sort of derivative work of the original. One of the best known altered books is Tom Phillips’ Humument, created over William Hurrell Mallock’s 1892 novel A Human Document. Phillips drew, painted, and collaged on the pages, while leaving some of the original text showing through.
But to my mind, the best altered books are the sculptural works of Brian Dettmer. He slices and carves into old illustrated textbooks, dictionaries and such to expose images and text. That’s one of them to the left. You can see examples of Dettmer’s work on this blog.
Well, your recent remark about the world being a circular place is indeed absolutely true! I have been sitting for weeks on a half-finished blog post about A Humument. I was working at Thames & Hudson when it was first published and snapped up a copy straight away and then when I was strolling round galleries in Edinburgh last month I bumped into a whole exhibition devoted to it, with some of the original pages on show. Endlessly fascinating. But you’ve beaten me to it now and will think I’m copying you (AGAIN) if I post mine!! Brian Dettmer’s work is amazing – I’d not seen it before. I recently discovered Georgia Russell, who ‘alters’ books out of all recognition: look here
Loads more about Georgia Russell on this site
Juliet, I hope you finish & post your blog entry on A Humument! I’ve been using your ideas for months — for starters writing about Elaine at Blue Chair and all those printy quotes you sent me!
Thanks for your post on Brian Dettmer. You just opened a whole new world for me. I’ve never seen anything like it. This is an amazing work. Absolutely extraordinary! And what patience. I am blown away indeed.
I’d love to know how he works.