Special Collections supports Penguin Books exhibition

Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books courtesy of Special Collections

The Penguin van courtesy of Special Collections

Cover design by Hans Schmoller, 1960, taken from 'Penguins Progress 1935-1960' courtesy of Special Collections

15 January 2008

The Holburne Museum in Bath is holding an exhibition on 70 years of Penguin book design which draws strongly on the Penguin archive held in the University of Bristol’s Special Collections.

The exhibition, which includes original artwork and early proofs, explores the development of the famous Penguin logo and showcases some of the most iconic book covers in publishing history.

Special Collections, which is housed in the Arts and Social Sciences Library, holds an extensive archive relating to the history of Penguin Books from their establishment in 1935 by Allen Lane (of Bristol) to the present day. The archive contains editorial files relating to the publication of each book (including author and editor correspondence) as well as material relating to the history of the company, book design and individuals – including designers – involved in the publishing process. Copies of most Penguin books published can be found in the Special Collections archive.

The exhibition runs from 8 January to 24 March. More details are available on the Holburne Museum website.

A summary of the holdings of the Penguin Collection can be found on the Archives Hub website (type in Penguin Collection to access the relevant information).

More details about Special Collections can be found on the Information Services website.