How to read a book

Stephen Emmerson

Free entry

Friday 3 October 2025 to Sat 14 March 2026

Exhibition preview on Thursday 4 October at 6 - 7.30pm

How To Read A Book is an exhibition concerned with language, writing, and memory. It also explores themes of neurodiversity, including dyslexia, by offering visitors an alternative way of approaching books and text.

Applying methods found in palmistry to lines found on the covers of well-read paperback books, this exhibition is an invitation to make art out of the everyday.

Also featured are a selection of images from The universe of books, The book farm, and other works centred around language, the book, and the limits of poetry.

Stephen Emmerson is a writer and artist. His most recent publications are: flight, published by Guillemot Press, Big Song, published by Broken Sleep Books, and Gallery and A Box of Ideas, both published by Timglaset Editions.

An artist’s book which coincides with this exhibition is also available.

Instagram @tothemadpoets

www.eightox.org

Co-curated by Apapat Jai-in Glynn and Dr Debbie Challis.

Exhibition enquiries

Please contact Apapat at engagement@theportico.org.uk