Description:

One-of-a-kind artist's book made from a vintage accordion with the trade name Fratelli Giovanni, Torino, Accordion Italiana and in smaller letters, Made in Germany. The keys appear to be made from mother-of-pearl and the case has a floral design. The bellows have been slit open and fitted with sheets of paper carrying the book's content. This book was made by Peter & Donna Thomas in February of 2010. The images, collected over the years, were printed on Peter's handmade paper & hand-colored by Donna. The text was written by Peter, & hand-written in the accordion book by Donna. Before being purchased by the MSU Libraries, this book was exhibited at the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Book Arts Center in April 2010.