Illustration and art of the book research
Explore our research in this area of expertise, one of 6 within our Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice research
Our research explores how self-publishing can allow a more diverse range of authors to communicate with an audience. Uncensored — and often made in limited editions — zines and artist's books can often tackle non-traditional subject matter.
We're researching zines that explore mental health narratives visually, either by social healthcare professionals or by service-users. We're also looking at how changing technologies are affecting traditional publishing, e-books, riso printers and letterpress publications.
Our research also covers the exploration of authorial illustration as an emerging genre. This includes graphic novels, comics and zines.
Our research covers the following topics
- Illustration
- Artists' books
- Bookbinding
- Zines
- Drawing and creative practice
- Independent publishing
- Exhibition
Methods and facilities
We use creative and curatorial practices within our research, and we're a member of the Association of Illustrators which gives specialist advice – career, legal and creative – to freelance illustrators and illustration courses.
We're also home to The Ministry of Books, a special collection of artists' books and multiples, and a special collection of art zines, called Zineopolis.
Discover our areas of expertise
Illustration and art of the book is one of 6 areas of expertise within our Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice – explore the other 5 below.
Discover our areas of expertise
Illustration and art of the book is one of 6 areas of expertise within our Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice – explore the other 5 below.
Fashion and textiles
Our fashion and textiles research is addressing important issues around fashion and textile design and its associated industries.
Graphic and communication design
Our research is looking at the history of design, and ethnographic studies in relation to design, design usability, legibility studies, design knowledge, and epistemology.
History and theory of art and design
We're exploring the historical production and consumption of art and design in wider social, cultural, political and economic contexts, with a particular emphasis on curation and exhibitions.
Visual and Material Culture
Concepts such as taste are the product of cultural and social forces – and through our visual and material culture research, we're working to uncover the concepts at work.
Photography
Our research looks at the portrait studio as a psychic space, how photography can be used to propose theoretical considerations, and how subjectivity is defined through photography.
Interested in a PhD in Art & Design?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Art & Design postgraduate research degrees page.