Mackay Regional Council Artists' Book Collection

Mackay Regional Council began its specialist Artists’ Book collection in 1995 with purchases of Australian and overseas artists’ books. The establishment and growth of the collection was the result of the vision and dedication of Mackay Regional Council’s Library Service, where the works were originally housed.

To celebrate the opening of Artspace Mackay in February 2002, the Towsnvilloe based artist Tate Adams, Royal Engraver and Principal of Lyre Bird Press, generously gifted over three hundred items including works on paper, artists’ books, wood blocks and reference books.

Now housed in the dedicated Tate Adams Reading Room, the Mackay Regional Council’s collection of artists’ books encompasses around 400 artists’ books by some of the most significant book artists working in Queensland, Australia and overseas.

The Tate Adams Reading Room is the only facility of its type in a regional gallery in Australia and provides new opportunities to focus on the artist’s book artform.