The Art of Folio

For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, The Folio Society is showcasing the illustrators who bring literature to life through a landmark exhibition at the Society of Illustrators in New York. 

The exhibition is a vibrant celebration of the artists behind Folio's most breathtaking visuals, spanning genres, generations, and geographies. It brings together the work of 91 illustrators, from icons like Quentin Blake and Beryl Cook to contemporary visionaries such as Sam Weber, Jamaal Barber, Anna & Elena Balbusso, and Yuko Shimizu. 

Quentin Blake's work featured in the show is drawn from The Folio Society's own archive, which in its early days collected the artwork of many of its emerging and established illustrators.  Visitors will be able to enjoy some of his drawings for Stella Gibbons' novel 'Cold Comfort Farm' (published by The Folio Society in 1977), and 'The Hunting of the Snark' poem by Lewis Carroll (from the Folio Society edition of 1976).
 

In an increasingly digital world, The Folio Society remains committed to the tactile, tangible magic of the printed book. This exhibition is a fitting tribute not only to the illustrators who define the Folio experience but also to the enduring power of art in literature. As the publisher puts it, "Illustration isn't just an addition to a Folio book—it's a core part of what makes it special." 

Whether you're a lifelong collector or a newcomer to the world of fine publishing, The Art of Folio is a rare opportunity to step inside the visual imagination of one of publishing's most cherished institutions. 

Visit from April 16 until 12 July, The Art of Folio is a landmark showcase hosted at the Society of Illustrators Museum of Illustration in New York City.