Penguin Random House New Zealand
Award for Best Illustrated Book 2026
Finalist
Designer: Tana Mitchell (Tana Mitchell Design)
Title: The Len Lye Centre
Publisher: Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre
Format: 175 x 250 mm, 160pp, Section sewn for longevity and open-flat reading, the book is case bound with a bold embossed typographic cover printed on mirror coating, that is flush cut with exposed box-board edges.
The material finishes and paper stock selected by the designer illustrate the high contrast of the building itself: a highly reflective stainless-steel exterior and raw concrete interior. The publication is delivered in foil wrap, to complete the building’s emulation.
Typography: GRTSK by Black Foundry
The typeface GRTSK was chosen as it is a variable sans serif which features a back-slant font – the typesetting mimics the kinetic energy of Len Lye’s sculptural works when alternated with the italic.
Publisher’s Brief
“The Len Lye Centre is a distinctive building designed to house the work of a very distinctive artist. To mark the building’s tenth anniversary, we sought a publication that captured the story of the building’s production but also interwove the kinetic energy of Len Lye’s work, the melding of architecture and art, balance of film and sculpture, captured inside and out, and picked up on a material central to the artist’s practice and the building itself: stainless steel. The brief sought to connection the wider gallery story, acknowledge the many contributors, and create something both distinctive and tangible.”
