The sixth paper book sculpture: Lost in a good book...

Category

Library Item

Item no

28827

Title

The sixth paper book sculpture: Lost in a good book...

Description

A small figure sits, looking 'lost'in the centre of a wood; its trees are carved out from the pages of a book.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

2012

Type

Book; Paper

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This sculpture was one of three sculptures found in August 2011. This sculpture was found on the 24th August in the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature stand at the Entrance to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

This sculpture was made by cutting into the book 'The private memoirs and confessions of a justified sinner' by James Hogg. Made also from wire armature, ribbon and PVA glue. The poem on the accompanying card was a quote from the social reformer Robert Owen.

It is believed the sculpture refers to the idea of 'being lost in a good book' so engrossed in the pleasure of the book you're reading that you are unaware of the world around you. The use of the book 'The private memoirs and confessions of a justified sinner' may also point to this being a bit of a guilty pleasure or means of escape from present life and circumstances.

The sculpture may also have a wider meaning, in referring to Robert Owens quote about the powerless of infants over their surroundings; the sculptor may be referring to books and education as the way of gaining power over their circumstances.

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Related subjects

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Sculptures

Landscape > Land > Woods and forests

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Culture > Cinemas

Sport and leisure > Culture > Libraries

Sport and leisure > Culture > Museums

Sport and leisure > Culture > Public art

Toys > Figures > Figures