The Netherlands, renowned for its adventurous and distinctive approach to modern graphic design, is also at the forefront in the field of book design – this would be realized on the occasion of ‘The Best Dutch Book Designs exhibition’ at Not Just Library¹ of the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), during the Lunar New Year from 13 February to 15 April 2024. Curated by the Sasson Kung – an expert and enthusiast of European graphic design and hosted by the TDRI with the support of Netherlands Office Taipei and the Sichting De Best Verzorgde Boeken² (SDBVB), the exhibition will bring the 33 books selected in 2021 to the public in Taiwan. It also liaises with the Taipei Book Fair Foundation and MVRDV³ to jointly celebrate the Netherlands as the ‘Country of Honor’ at the Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE) 2024⁴.

The selection of the ‘Best Dutch Book Designs’ is an event that represents all aspects of the Dutch graphic industry. The 2021 edition in particular is exceptionally outstanding, not only in the eyes of the local jury but also internationally recognized by the ‘Best Book Design from all over the World’ 2022 in Leipzig. Two books were awarded with the highest honors – the Golden Letter (to Dutch designer Bart de Baets) and the Gold Medal (to Taiwanese designer Kuan-Ting Chen) – making the Netherlands the biggest winner of the year. With a history dating back to 1926, the annual selection of the ‘Best Dutch Book Designs’ is the oldest event of its kind in Europe. From 1991 to 2021, Dutch books have won a total of 69 awards for ‘Best Book Design from all over the World’ – the highest number in its history compared to any other country. The extraordinary achievement of the decade is also highlighted by a timeline in a separate section in the exhibition, accompanied by the catalogues of the award-winning works from each year.

In addition to the Best Dutch Book Designs, the curator has invited Limestone Books in Maastricht to bring a part of the art bookstore to the occasion along with a small selection of books showcasing the different facets of the creative community in the region. All 48 volumes, with a blend of unusual creative visions, profound design expressions, and high-quality printing/binding techniques, have traveled afar and arrived at Not Just Library.

Finally, the program also includes a series of live events, such as a reading–visualization workshop led by Dutch writer Bibi Dumon Tak, an online talk by designer Bart de Baets who will share his design philosophy, process and work, and an online forum where founder/designer Jhen Chen of Limestone Books and designer K.Chen will share their experiences in the Netherlands. ‘The Best Dutch Book Designs exhibition’ presents a collection of elements that not only will allow the audience to see and read the books, but also to delve into the ideas and culture behind the beautiful facade, appreciate their essence, and get inspired.

Notes:

1. Not Just Library is part of Taiwan Design Museum and a subsidiary of Taiwan Design Research Institute located in the historical Songshan Cultural Park. It is Taiwan’s first designed-themed library and has a collection of over 20,000 design publications and 100 magazines from around the world. Not Just Library is ‘not just’ a place for books, but also serves as a hub for design-related exhibitions, lectures, activities, allowing for the sharing of its resources and exchange of ideas.

2. Sichting De Best Verzorgde Boeken is the organization responsible for the yearly Best Dutch Book Designs selection, with sponsorships from ASF Goede Doelen Fonds, Igepa Nederland, Pictoright, and L. van Heek Textiles.

3. MVRDV, an architecture firm based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was selected to design the Netherlands Pavilion at TIBE.

4. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Dutch’s first encounter with Taiwan (then known as Formosa), the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Taipei Book Fair Foundation, has declared the Netherlands as the ‘Country of Honor’ for TIBE 2024.

Exhibition Information

Title｜The Best Dutch Book Designs in Taiwan

Dates｜13 February – 11 April, 2024 (Closed on Mondays)

Hours｜10:00 – 18:00 (Admission till 17:00)

Venue｜Not Just Library^*

Organizer｜Industrial Development Administration, MOEA

Host｜Not Just Library / Taiwan Design Research Institute

Curator｜Tian-tian Circle

Sponsors & Contributors｜Netherlands Office Taipei, Sichting De Best Verzorgde Boeken (SDBVB), Taipei Book Fair Foundation (TBFF), MVRDV_Rotterdam, Limestone Books_Maastricht, Circle Zine

Events

Workshop｜ Writer_Bibi Dumon Tak ｜18 February (Sun) 14:00 – 17:00

Online Talk｜Designer_Bart de Baets｜16 March (Sat) 16:00 – 17:30

Online Talk｜Designers_Jhen Chen (Limestone Books) x K.Chen｜6 April (Sat) 16:00 – 18:00