Photo – courtesy of Bård Ionson ©
In a groundbreaking intersection of art, technology, and blockchain, Bård Ionson’s Battledore has been acquired by The Bodleian Library’s Weston Library, thanks to a generous donation from curator Robert Bolick. This marks a historic moment—not only for the library’s collection but also for its embrace of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), with Battledore’s digital token secured in the library’s digital wallet.
Resembling a traditional hornbook, Battledore is crafted from wood and features a striking oscilloscope-generated photograph of the alphabet. This fusion of historical educational tools with contemporary digital artistry reflects Ionson’s signature approach—redefining the past through modern technology. Beyond its physical form, the artwork offers an augmented reality (AR) experience via the Artivive app, where alphabet letters transform into corporate logos, creating an interactive commentary on branding and cultural evolution.
Renowned curator Robert Bolick, a champion of the intersection between art, technology, and education, facilitated this acquisition as part of his commitment to bridging traditional and digital media within cultural institutions. His influence extends beyond the donation—he also curated Alphabets Alive, an exhibition at the Weston Library where Battledore was prominently featured. This exhibit explores the fluid and evolving nature of alphabets in contemporary art.
Battledore (2019) Ian Wallman
Reflecting on this milestone, Ionson shared: “It’s an honor to have Battledore included in the Weston Library’s collection. Robert Bolick’s vision and generosity have made this possible, and I see this as a bridge between history and the digital future. The augmented reality element transforms the piece from a static artifact into an interactive experience, embodying the evolving nature of culture itself.”
The Weston Library, known for its cutting-edge facilities, provides an ideal space for visitors and scholars to engage with Battledore. By incorporating digital and blockchain-based art into its archives, The Bodleian continues to evolve as a forward-thinking institution—honoring history while embracing the digital frontier.
A Virginia-based artist, Bård Ionson explores the intersection of physical and digital art through AI, oscilloscopes, blockchain, and AR technology. His work challenges conventional narratives, inviting audiences to reconsider the connections between education, culture, and technology.
A leading figure in artists’ books, Robert Bolick’s Books On Books Collection has been widely exhibited, with several works—including Battledore—donated to The Bodleian Library.
Founded in 1602, The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, housing over 13 million items. The Weston Library, part of this historic institution, is dedicated to special collections, now expanding to include digital and blockchain-based art, bridging preservation with modern innovation.
