From Pat and Rosemarie Keough: The impetus for the bookstand came from collectors who asked us to recommend a lectern or bookstand on which to display ANTARCTICA. After a lot of research including conversations with bookbinders and rare book curators, we determined that the utilitarian foam wedges were the best commercial option – functional, but not aesthetic. We found that most readily available bookstands overbalanced and toppled with the size and weight of ANTARCTICA. However, the few robust stands we came across failed to incorporate conservation measures necessary to support the binding should the book be on display for weeks or years. In this manner, we ended up designing the ideal stand ourselves with input from librarians, conservators, and artisans. The development stage involved almost two years of design, building and testing prototypes. We are very proud of the final bookstand which has received approval from staff of The Huntington, North America's finest rare book library.

On this hand-crafted stand, ANTARCTICA takes on a three-dimensional, sculptural aspect. The transformation is incredible. Also, it allows just two images to be appreciated at a time - be it for a day or a week. Then a page can be turned and new images enjoyed. A whole year may be needed to appreciate the full book.

The bookstand is designed to sit on a table. The overall width of the stand is 40", the depth 20", and the height 17". The wooden base is 23" wide by 17" deep.

Responding to requests from collectors, Pat and Rosemarie Keough have designed an elegant piece of furniture expressly to display ANTARCTICA and other large books including future volumes in the Explorer Series.

ANTARCTICA displayed on its stand has a presence akin to sculpture or paintings, and each day a new pair of images can be enjoyed.

Beauty, function, strength, simplicity and safety ... five elements of design in complete harmony.

40” x 20” x 17”
100cm x 50cm x 43cm

Individually hand-crafted by Canadian artisans from solid African mahogany and frosted acrylic.

Three comfortable viewing positions.

Details and more images below.

We have selected solid African mahogany, sawn ribbon grain which enhances the natural "flame" of the wood. Each bookstand requires 22 board feet of mahogany cut 1.5" thick. Is it any wonder that these bookstands are solid, sturdy, and beautiful? African mahogany is not a threatened or endangered wood species, as is Honduran mahogany.

The book rests against a gentle cradle formed from 0.5" thick frosted acrylic, a modern material which lends a contemporary look to a traditional piece of furniture. The cradle specifically prevents the pages from laying flat open which would otherwise harm the spine through time. In addition, the cradle has been molded so that the spine floats freely thus avoiding abrasion as pages are turned, while giving full support to the book.

The stand is adjustable with three distinct viewing angles so as to allow for individual preferences, different table heights, also to eliminate or minimize glare from reflected light. Although adjustable, this stand cannot topple forwards or backwards due to several safety features we worked into the design.

Two other features must be mentioned: To support the pages, thereby eliminating the potential for sag which would otherwise be a source of stress to the spine, we provide two decorative wooden shims with finger pulls inset with the same leather as clads the covers of ANTARCTICA. We also provide a pair of clear page shields formed from 1/8" archival museum-grade acrylic. In our household we only sometimes put the shields in place over the open pages. A few collectors requested this protection for piece of mind from such concerns as visiting children turning pages after eating chips, perhaps a cat jumping up to investigate and claw at a penguin portrait.

The apparent simplicity of the design belies the complexity of the wood work. Indeed 15 jigs are used to individually cut and shape 15 pieces of wood which are required for each bookstand. Other components are a hidden stainless steel pin, three visible brass pins, and three leather inserts. The stands are custom made by Live Edge Design, of British Columbia, Canada. The craftsmanship is impeccable. While such skill, individual attention, and solid natural materials are not inexpensive, the bookstands are themselves works of functional art which will endure for many lifetimes.

We shipping worldwide with insured courier service. Our packaging is excellent.