In a world defined by children's books come to life and diaper-bag versions of fold-out fairytales, the modern-day version of the pop-up book is a far cry from its origins. Travelling from the simple designs that are the heart of its construction to complicated folds most readers never fathomed, the result is a rich history of wonder and whimsy.
Along with the subjects it illustrates, the techniques behind moveable and pop-up paper art have evolved from its earliest known origins. Traditional terminology, unusual techniques, and personal creativity combine to form unique volumes and timeless illustrations.
Pop-Up Illustration Techniques and Terminology
The art of paper engineering (the proper term for pop-up and moveable art) encompasses a range of paper artistry and techniques for creating paper art. Tunnel books, with their see-through windows and fold-out panels, transformation pieces, and volvelle are all part of the pop-up family.
Simple vertical folds, angle folds, mountain folds, and paper tabs help create the most basic images in pop-up artwork. Concepts like paper flaps and volvelle, a picture formed of rotating parts that transfigure the shape or picture, are also among the simplest concepts despite their more complicated structure.
Moveable parts range from simple pull tabs that shift an external picture to elaborate movements that perform multiple actions at once. Early editions of fairytale pop-up books show Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolfe engaged in a back-and-forth struggle; a creative collectible illustration from an antique volume shows a cellist's bow, fingers, and body moving simultaneously in performance with a single pull tab.
Early Moveable and Pop-Up Illustrations
One of the earliest known pop-up books is believed to be an astrology volume created in A.D. 1306 by Ramon Llull, a Majorcan fortune teller who illustrated his prophecies using revolving illustrated disks. Hardly intended for children, the earliest volumes of moveable and pop-up paper art were intended for older audiences. British landscaper Capacity Brown used early paper flaps to demonstrate the before-after sequences in his landscape designs.
The Golden Era of Pop-Up Art
By the nineteenth century, however, the art form begins to appear in children's publishing, with early editions in Germany and Britain filled with whimsical illustrations and subjects designed for young readers. The Blue Ribbon Publishing Company in America coined the term "pop up" book to describe its children's volumes, with pop-up art gaining U.S. popularity during the 1930's.
British children's publishers Raphael Tuck and Son produced a series of beautifully-illustrated pop-up and moveable books for young readers during the 1800's, including unusual volumes of paper "puppet" folds that transformed characters by simply lifting a paper flap.
By the 1960's, a revival in pop-up art led by Waldo Hunt, with a new emphasis on innovative paper projects that would entertain children. Classic children's stories and novels were adapted in elaborate illustrations and unique moveable images.
Modern-Day Pop-Up Genius
The modern revival and its antique predecessors are joined by a host of current paper artists, whose work is fast-becoming the stuff of legends in paper artistry. Artist Matthew Reinhardt is celebrated for his Star Wars pop-up volume of galactic wonders, with critics hailing its intricate details.
Paper wizard Robert Sabuda applies the craft to a range of subjects, transforming classic children's books into objects of wonder. A spinning cyclone rises from the pages of the Wizard of Oz, while Alice of Wonderland fame tumbles down a long paper tunnel that pulls accordion-style from the book's pages.
From simple greeting cards to incredible storybooks, the art of pop-up and moveable paper holds its ground in an age of digital art and technological innovations. Modern-day readers share the fascination of decades (and generations) that paper engineering has received with page turned or tab pulled.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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