A Hidden Art Form You’ll Flip For

Martin Frost, a fore-edge painter, creates discreet paintings on book edges that become visible when the pages are fanned. This British art form dates back to the 1660s and gained popularity in the 18th century. Frost, inspired by another fore-edge painter, has been practicing this art for over 40 years, mainly on antique books. He explains the process, time, and cost involved, highlighting that larger projects like Bibles can take up to a week. Despite being the only commercial fore-edge painter, Frost continues his craft, identifying himself as a dad, granddad, and artist.

What is the unique feature of fore-edge paintings?

• They are painted on the spine of the book.

• They become visible when the pages are fanned.

• They are visible only when the book is closed.

• They are painted on the cover of books.

When did fore-edge painting become particularly popular?

• In the 20th century

• In the 19th century

• In the 18th century

• In the 17th century

What inspired Martin Frost to start fore-edge painting?

• A family tradition

• A fellow artist who showed him the technique

• A course he took in college

• A book he read about the art

How long does it typically take to complete a fore-edge painting on a large book like a Bible?

• A day

• A week

• A few hours

• A month

How does Martin Frost describe his identity?

• As a historian and a painter

• As a painter and a teacher

• As a dad, a granddad, and a fore-edge painter

• As a writer and an artist