For the first time in its storied history, The Folio Society is showcasing the illustrators who bring literature to life through a landmark exhibition at the Society of Illustrators in New York.
Few publishers are as beloved and beautifully crafted as The Folio Society. For nearly 80 years, it has built its reputation on creating the most exquisite editions of the world’s greatest literature—books that feel as good in the hand as they look on the shelf.
While its elegant typesetting, fine paper, and bespoke bindings have long been celebrated, the illustrations that define Folio’s visual identity are now taking centre stage in a first-of-its-kind exhibition. Opening on April 16 and running until 12 July, The Art of Folio is a landmark showcase hosted at the Society of Illustrators Museum of Illustration in New York City.
The exhibition is a vibrant celebration of the artists behind Folio’s most breathtaking visuals, spanning genres, generations, and geographies. It brings together the work of 91 illustrators, from icons like Quentin Blake and Beryl Cook to contemporary visionaries such as Sam Weber, Jamaal Barber, Anna & Elena Balbusso, and Yuko Shimizu.
“Illustration at Folio is never just decorative—it’s storytelling,” says the publisher. From the richly textured world-building of Dune to the austere intimacy of Wolf Hall, Folio’s books are known for illustrations that not only reflect the tone of the narrative but elevate it.
With this exhibition, Folio is placing its illustrators front and centre, highlighting their craft and creativity in a way that both die-hard bibliophiles and art lovers can appreciate.
Spanning two floors of the museum, the exhibition is split into thematic zones. On the ground floor, visitors are immersed in the present and future of Folio, exploring the work of today’s most innovative illustrators. There’s Weber’s moody, atmospheric imagery for Dune, the bold symmetry of the Balbusso sisters’ work on The Handmaid’s Tale, and the vibrant, kinetic energy of Mu Pan’s Monkey. It’s a visual journey across literary genres and artistic styles, where each piece offers a different lens through which to experience the written word.
In contrast, the lower floor is a curated look back at Folio’s illustrious visual history. Illustrators like Blake, with his instantly recognisable, whimsical strokes, and Cook, with her sharp humour and slice-of-life scenes, represent an era when Folio was cementing its place as a cultural touchstone. These works serve as a testament to the publisher’s enduring ethos: that books should be both intellectually rich and visually captivating.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a dedicated space for Yuko Shimizu’s illustrations for the centennial edition of The Great Gatsby. Moving beyond the usual Art Deco tropes, Shimizu captures the emotional undercurrents of Fitzgerald’s classic with a dreamlike quality that feels both timeless and freshly poignant. Her artwork, with its intricate inkwork and contemporary flair, perfectly encapsulates the tension between opulence and emptiness that defines Gatsby’s world.
“This edition is particularly special because it marks the 100th anniversary of Gatsby’s publication,” Folio notes. “Yuko’s work feels like the perfect match for a novel that continues to resonate across generations.”
Beyond the exhibition itself, The Art of Folio is also a platform for emerging talent. Through the Folio Book Illustration Award, now an annual fixture, the publisher continues to invest in the future of book art. This year, illustrators are invited to reimagine Rapunzel, and the entries will be judged by a panel that includes celebrated author Erin Morgenstern.
“We’ve seen exciting trends in contemporary illustration,” the team shares. “There’s a growing interest in mixed-media, bold reinterpretations of classics, and a focus on cultural and historical authenticity. The Award is our way of nurturing that spirit and encouraging new voices.”
In an increasingly digital world, The Folio Society remains committed to the tactile, tangible magic of the printed book. This exhibition is a fitting tribute not only to the illustrators who define the Folio experience but also to the enduring power of art in literature. As the publisher puts it, “Illustration isn’t just an addition to a Folio book—it’s a core part of what makes it special.”
Whether you’re a lifelong collector or a newcomer to the world of fine publishing, The Art of Folio is a rare opportunity to step inside the visual imagination of one of publishing’s most cherished institutions.
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