With a program devoted to books by contemporary artists and designers, Little Steidl seeks to expand the artistic potential of offset lithography as a creative print medium. The publishing house follows a traditional work model in which all aspects of book development, design, and production, including printing, are carried out in its own bookmaking workshop in Göttingen, Germany.

Little Steidl grew out of the Steidl publishing house and extends the Steidl printing and manufacturing tradition into a second generation under the direction of Nina Holland. The two houses collaborate with each other around a variety of print and educational projects. While Steidl’s primary focus is photography and the printing techniques applicable to photographic work, Little Steidl’s program is oriented around the contemporary arts, design, and typography. The printing program is specialized in the development of new bespoke printing techniques which are employed not only in Little Steidl books but also in a broad spectrum of print projects with artists, architects, cultural institutions, and record labels.

Little Steidl books capture the unique perspective of the artist. The books are works in their own right as opposed to documentations or interpretations of works that have their primary lives outside the book. Even when the source material for a book is taken from an existing body of sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, or the like, the book is designed and printed in an intensive collaboration with the artist and takes on a life of its own as a print work.

The Bookshelf Residency is an opportunity for Little Steidl to present not only its exquisite artists’ books but also the bookmaking and printing processes that make the publishing house unique. Assembled in the Annex are printing plates, wet-proofs, plate and progressive proofs, video, and maquettes straight out of Little Steidl’s printing workshop in Göttingen, Germany. The materials offer a view into the process of offset-lithographic print production as practiced by a master printer in the Steidl tradition.

As part of the release of The Blueberry Machine by Jan von Holleben and Monte Packham, Little Steidl has produced free downloadable PDFs with activities and lesson plans for home and school, inviting children and adults to explore together and invent new creations from the ordinary objects of their surroundings. Perfect for families, teachers, and children:

The Blueberry Machine activities for home and school ages 2-6
The Blueberry Machine activities for home and school ages 7-10
The Blueberry Machine activities for home and school (complete set)
Press release