Remember Me: American Carved Stone Books from the Ian Berke Collection, curated by Mindell Dubansky, is a fascinating exploration of the realm where book-like objects and folk art intersect. San Francisco collector Ian Berke began collecting these intriguing artifacts during a chance encounter at an antique show in New England in 2007. Fascinated by a small, white marble book bearing the inscription “Remembr the Maine,” Berke’s interest was piqued, leading him down a path of discovery that ultimately resulted in amassing a collection of over 500 of these unique pieces over seventeen years.
The exhibition at San Francisco Center for the Book (SFCB) invites viewers to explore a selection of intricately carved books from Berke’s collection. These objects are more than mere curiosities; they are tangible expressions of emotion, whether friendship, love, devotion, or commemoration of significant events. From the delicate intricacies of the carvings to heartfelt inscriptions etched upon their surfaces, the works offer a window into a bygone era, where craftsmanship and sentimentality converged in remarkable ways.
Remember Me: American Carved Stone Books from the Ian Berke Collection illuminates the cultural and historical contexts in which these objects were created, encouraging gallery visitors to reflect on the enduring power of material objects to convey and preserve the intangible aspects of human experience.
