The James F. Holly Rare Books Room has re-opened, and we're spotlighting materials from Walter Hamady and the Perishable Press. Come check it out during our open hours.
Who is Walter Hamady?
Walter Hamady is an influential letterpress printer, book artist, papermaker, and collage artist. He launched the Perishable Press in 1964 and began to publish works that are expertly printed, whimsical, nonsensical, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek. Hamady was good friends with James Holly, the founding dean of The Evergreen State College Library and namesake of our Rare Books Room.
What the heck is a gabberjabb?
Hamady published a short series of books called gabberjabbs, and the Rare Books Room owns the first 6 volumes. Hamady's gabberjabbs are the best example of how he simultaneously espouses traditional letterpress printing and the structure of the book while making a game of it. You'll have to follow the footnotes to find the meaning in the area between sense and nonsense. Each volume is a delight to read!
See below for some highlights from the exhibit.
An image of Walter Hamady posing in his studio, celebrating the Perishable Press's 20th anniversary.
Major Parking Lots, written by Clarence Major and printed by the Perishable Press.
A glimpse at some of Hamady's gabberjabbs.
A selection of poetry books written and printed by Walter Hamady.
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