Východočeské muzeum v Pardubicích, Zámek čp. 2, 530 02 Pardubice vcm@vcm.cz
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The Book: Dressed and Undressed

05. May - July 12, 202610 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Museum ticket office, free admission

In the past, books were not only important repositories of information but also essential means of communication. To this day, they preserve memories, ideas, stories, and facts – while also shaping their readers. But what form does this content take? The book as we know it was preceded by clay tablets, ostraca, papyrus, and parchment scrolls. As early as the beginning of our era, scrolls began to be cut into double-leaf sheets and inserted into one another. Thus, the traditional book form gradually emerged – a bound or glued volume of sheets with a spine.

Kniha oblečená i svlečená

Kniha oblečená i svlečená

Kniha oblečená i svlečená

Through the craft of bookbinding, we will take a look inside a book and discover its various components. From an artistic perspective, the exhibition will present the diverse world of historical book bindings – Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern styles – including the techniques used for elaborate decoration.

A unique opportunity will be the chance to view original prints from the 16th century. Among them will be the Historical Calendar (1590), one of the most significant works by Daniel Adam of Veleslavín, and the didactic handbook by Jan Češka (1579), prepared specifically for the sons of Vilém of Pernštejn, whom he tutored.

The exhibition also opens the door to the museum’s extensive library collection, which comprises more than 20,000 volumes. It will present thirteen diverse collection series – ranging from religious literature to children’s books and period newspapers. Each will be represented by a carefully selected unique item that highlights the diversity and richness of book culture across the centuries.