A wayzgoose was a traditional gift from a master printer to his workmen each year in celebration of St. Bartholomew's Day in order to mark the end of the summer season and the beginning of autumn when work had to be done by candlelight. The tradition has continued into the contemporary period but instead of a gift, a celebration is held by printing presses for their staff. Since 1979 annual get-togethers have been held in Grimsby, Ontario to celebrate the art of the hand-made book by North American private-press printers, bookbinders and papermakers. Part of the Grimsby Wayzgoose tradition includes the production of these anthologies in order to demonstrate the craftsmanship of participants in the annual fair. Signatures (sections) are hand bound into these attractive volumes now widely sought after by bibliophiles. This unbroken 23-year run features creative printing and quirky illustrations, often numbered and signed by their creators. Treat yourself to some truly entertaining printers' art.
