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Undercover art is waiting to be discovered on the bookshelves of Gateshead Central Library.

A newly-launched project is inviting bookworms on a treasure hunt to uncover some unique artworks hidden on the pages of random books.

The novel idea - the first of its kind - has seen eight artists enlisted to create “fore-edge” works.

These are books which have been individually decorated so that the outside edge of their pages - which face the back of the bookshelf - form a picture when the book is closed.

But the images are covered by gold gilt and only appear - apparently from nowhere - when the book is fanned.

Anton Hecht is the artist who came up with the idea, and he is promising an “amazing experience” for visitors to the library in Prince Consort Road.

(Image: Anton Hecht)

“This is the first time in decades that anyone has really attempted a new fore-edge painting exhibition,” he said.

“The books are on the library shelves and visitors get a list and have to find them.

“They must be fanned to be revealed - as if by magic!”

Anton developed his project from an initial idea for undercover art when he set up a Festival of Flip Books which created a display at Darlington Library in 2015.

The flip books featured a series of “hidden” images within their pages and, when opened and fanned, the revealed pictures appeared to be moving.

(Image: Anton Hecht)

This latest clever idea is now his third undercover project but the first to feature fore-edge art which he said added an extra layer of difficulty.

The eight artists involved were each tasked with coming up with illustrations and designs for a book of their choice.

And, with the help of a book-binding course at the Lit and Phil in Newcastle, the books were finished off afterwards with the gilt edging.

At first this appears to obscure the pictures but tilting and moving the book ensures they emerge through the veil of gold leaf.

“It is a very opulent experience seeing the image bleed through,” said Anton.

His isn’t keen to reveal the titles of the books being used but library goers will receive the details when they arrive to pick up the list.

As well as intriguing regular users and book-lovers, the book trail project includes versions to tempt tablet and mobile users too.

In addition to the eight fore-edge works, three “augmented reality” books can be animated and the title of one of these is given away as Robinson Crusoe.

“People can bring these alive on a tablet in the library for them to find,” said Anton.

He added: “People visiting the library will get an amazing experience.”

Undercover Fore-edge will run at the library until April 1 and forms part of its wider Digital Makings programme of work with digital artists.