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

A Conversation on the Concertina-Fold Book across Time, Space and Cultures
1 May 2025, 3–4pm at The Centre for the Study of the Book at the Bodleian Libraries

The Concertina-Fold Book across Time, Space and Cultures: A Symposium
2 May 2025, 9am–6:30pm at Lambeth Palace Library
This event is part of programming for the Unfolding Time: The Medieval Pocket Calendar exhibition open now through 15 May 2025