Welcome to the Robert R. Reid Award and Medal

The Robert R. Reid Award and Medal is given by The Alcuin Society on an occasional basis to recognize lifetime achievement or extraordinary contributions to the Book Arts in Canada.

The inaugural award was presented to Robert R. Reid at the Reidfest celebration on Friday, November 16, 2007 at SFU Harbour Centre.

In the introduction to his book  Fraser Mines Vindicated (1949), Robert R. Reid wrote “There is another element, personality, without which a book is lost. It results from the designer imparting something of himself—his love for fine books, his consequent sincerity of purpose, his grasp of the elementals of the printing craft—into his books”. p.v.

This quotation encompasses the spirit of book arts which the Robert R. Reid celebrates. In 2011, Robert Chaplin completed a spectacular medallion fitting for the recipients of this award. About the award, Robert Chaplin writes:

The design was carved by my hand then cast in bronze at the studio of my colleague Jess Sarber. After the medals were cast, each one was hand finished by me. This work was completed in an edition of 25 with 5 artists proofs.

Regarding the revelatory and concealing power of books, it seemed most fitting, to encase each medal in this manner. Within this context the medal becomes a dimensional illustration, and since I've taken to publication as an act of contemporary art, it would be reasonable to assign an ISBN to this project. The book itself consists of an essay written by Yosef Wosk, regarding the value of a life spent in creation. The typography was designed electronically, burned into polymer plates, then printed and bound at Black Stone Press. A purpose built and published work to simultaneously protect and reveal a lifetime of excellence.

On behalf of the Alcuin Society, we thank Robert Chaplin for the design of this award, and we trust it will be cherished by all who receive it.

photo credit: Peter Lattimer

Award Recipients