This fall is an exciting time in every respect for The Best Dutch Book Designs. The foundation and its entire network are mourning the sudden passing of its director late summer of this year. Nevertheless, starting November 6, a magnificent selection of books will once again be on display at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, two of which have since received international recognition. And The Best Dutch Book Designs competition has now been around for a hundred years. 

The Best Dutch Book Designs

Every year, The Best Dutch Book Designs foundation celebrates the best that the graphic design field has to offer: up to 33 books made with heart and soul. These are books that stand out for connecting content with exceptional design, commissioning, and high-quality lithography, printing, and binding. The judging takes place every year in late January. In addition to the professional jury, there is a student jury. Both selections are exhibited in the fall at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and a catalog is also published.

Director Esther Scholten

At the end of July, the director who had led The Best Dutch Book Designs for over ten years passed away completely unexpectedly. The board then did everything in its power to ensure that the planned activities could still take place. Prior to the opening of the exhibition at the Stedelijk, which brings together the entire professional community, there will be a private event. We will then reflect on the significance of Esther Scholten. She is featured in this year’s catalog. And the book to be published in honour of the centennial will be dedicated to her.

The Harvest of 2025 

Earlier this year, the professional jury selected 33 books from 281 submissions that, in addition to their content, stand out in terms of design, lithography, typography, materials, and printing and binding techniques. The student jury—composed of graphic design students from six different art academies—made its own selection. It is striking that there are so many books (9 titles) that address current social issues such as the war in Gaza and the nitrogen crisis. Another notable feature of the professional jury’s selection is: 

• 8 books fall into the non-fiction category, 24 books are about art, photography and architecture, and there is 1 novel. 
• Of the 33 books, 8 titles were self-published, with the writer, artist or designer responsible for the content and publication themselves. 
• As well as current affairs such as the war in Gaza and the nitrogen crisis, the selection also reflects themes such as decolonisation and migration. 
• Two books were designed by students at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague: Benaiah French and Anabel Pérez Lubian. 
• Of the 33 books, 8 were printed abroad; Wilco Art Books is the most widely represented Dutch printer, with 12 books. 
• The Eriskay Connection and Jap Sam Books are the best represented, with five books each. 
• From the Dutch shortlist, the jury of ‘The Best Book Design from all over the World’ selected two Dutch titles. Ourouboros Wings by student Benaiah French won the top prize: the Golden Letter. Collapsed Mythologies: A Geofinancial Atlas by designer Dayna Casey was awarded a bronze medal.

The exhibition at the Stedelijk
From 6 November, the Best Designed Books will be on display at the Stedelijk. The foundation has been in existence for longer, but the Stedelijk has been exhibiting this selection of books annually (with a few exceptions) since 1932. It is the oldest professional award of its kind in Europe. The display in which the Best Designed Books are presented was designed by Paul Kuipers. All the books selected by the professional and student juries are not only on display, but visitors can also leaf through them. Most of the books are available in the museum shop, as is the catalogue of the book selection, designed by studio Raw Color. The Stedelijk is also marking the anniversary of The Best Dutch Book Designs with a selection of special items from its own collection. 

100 Years of The Best Dutch Book Designs in the Netherlands: a book about books 

The Best Dutch Book Designs Foundation was established in 1926. To mark its centenary, the publisher nai010 is publishing a book about books: 100 Years of The Best Dutch Book Designs in the Netherlands. It highlights a century of history centred on exceptionally crafted books. All the publications that have been awarded prizes by the The Best Dutch Book Designs Foundation since 1926 are featured. Designers, printers and publishers have their say, and a number of essays look both back and ahead. A special feature of the book is the selection of 101 people who discuss their favourite book from the past century.
The book was designed by Lyanne Tonk. It is available from the Stedelijk’s museum shop and from specialised bookshops.