S P I N O R A M A
By Aslak Gurholt and Fraser Muggeridge
7 November – 20 December
Opening: Friday 7 November, 18:30–21:30
Talk by Aslak Gurholt and Fraser Muggeridge at 19:00
PrintRoom’s Living Archive Space, Schietbaanstraat 17, Rotterdam
We’re excited to present S P I N O R A M A, the first exhibition devoted entirely to the book spine—a crucial yet often overlooked element of book design. You’re warmly invited to join us for the spine-shivering opening, featuring a talk between the curators Aslak Gurholt and Fraser Muggeridge. Drinks and snacks will be served!
The spine is the reader’s first encounter with a book when displayed on a bookshelf. Traditionally, not much imagination goes into its design—usually following the standard sequence of author, title, and publisher from top to bottom (or bottom to top).
S P I N O R A M A focuses on books that treat the spine as an integral part of the overall cover design or concept. Whether through the type of content, spatial arrangement, or the way the book is bound, these spines serve as the literal and conceptual backbone of every book.
Featuring over 100 spines from diverse genres, the exhibition explores how designers have turned this functional surface into a site of expression and visual identity. Referencing figures such as Jost Hochuli and Jan Tschichold, the display reveals spines that form images, convey unexpected messages, and challenge the conventions of book design.
This exhibition will take place at PrintRoom’s Living Archive space where the Spinorama collection will be supplemented with books from PrintRoom’s collection of artist books.
PrintRoom invites artists and designers to propose new books for Spinorama and our own Living Collection, please get in touch if you have a book we should consider!
A (printed) catalogue of the collection can be purchased at PrintRoom.
S P I N O R A M A has previously been exhibited at London Centre for Book Arts (5 July–17 August 2024), Gent Art Book Fair (3 – 4 May 2025) and einBuch.haus in Berlin (16 June – 5 July 2025) and Vienna Art Book Fair (17 – 19 October 2025).