Esther Scholten, director of The Best Dutch Book Design Foundation from 2015 to 2026, is awarded The Capital posthumously for her indispensable contribution to Dutch book design.
Starting in 2024, The Best Dutch Book Design Foundation presents The Capital annually to honour an individual, institution, or initiative for a distinctive contribution to Dutch book design.
A Pivotal Figure in a Vast Network
The fact that Esther Scholten is the third recipient to whom the The Capital award has been bestowed—this time posthumously—is as obvious as it is sad. On July 28, 2026, the director of The Best Dutch Book Design Foundation passed away completely unexpectedly. This came as a shock to many, who praised her not only for her unwavering dedication and professionalism but also for her warmth and ability to bring people together. As a pivotal figure in a vast network, Scholten has led The Best Dutch Book Design since 2015. With enthusiasm and vision, she continued the annual cycle in which a selection of 33 books, an accompanying catalog, an exhibition, and an event at the Stedelijk Museum are produced each year. All of this was done to highlight and celebrate the combination of exceptional design, commissioning, and high-quality lithography, printing, and binding.
Innovation and Renewal
Scholten never operated on autopilot; she listened closely to the pulse of the professional community and was deeply committed to renewal. In 2016, she introduced a student jury that, alongside the professional jury, was allowed to present a selection of chosen books. This drew attention to the views of the up-and-coming generation and was also intended to inspire and foster a sense of community. As a tribute to its illustrious predecessor, starting in 2016 there was also Bookmaking Uncovered, the Just Enschedé Salon—a program of presentations, lectures, and discussions focused on knowledge sharing within the graphic arts and cultural sectors. Through the traveling book selections of The Best Dutch Book Design, this knowledge sharing extended far beyond the country’s borders, with exhibitions held in China and Korea.
The Capital
In 2024, The Best Dutch Book Design launched a new award, The Capital, intended for an individual, institution, or initiative that has made a distinctive contribution to Dutch book design. After The Capital was first awarded to designer Joost Grootens in 2024 and then to bookbinder Herman van Waarden in 2025, fate now undeniably points to the person who, both in front of and behind the scenes, captured and amplified attention for excellence in book design and production. And in doing so, she managed to engage and inspire a large number of professionals in the field. No obstacle was too great, no problem went unsolved. Esther Scholten was invaluable, and the book industry remains deeply indebted to her.
Announcement
The announcement and presentation of the award to her husband took place on Friday, November 6, prior to the opening of the exhibition The Best Dutch Book Design 2025 at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
The prize consists of a ceramic sculpture, designed by the design duo Team Thursday, along with a certificate. An article about Esther Scholten will appear in the exhibition catalog.
Photo by Jan van Beijnhem, FotoStudio XL