Printed Matter, Inc. was founded by a loose consortium of artists, critics, and publishers—including Sol LeWitt, Lucy Lippard, Carol Androcchio, Amy Baker (Sandback), Edit DeAk, Mike Glier, Nancy Linn, Walter Robinson, Ingrid Sischy, Pat Steir, Mimi Wheeler, Robin White and Irena von Zahn[failed verification]—in 1976 as a for-profit art space in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City.

The mail order catalog model of fulfillment is how Printed Matter maintains a global reach to its worldwide customer base, which includes libraries, archives, and museums, as well as academic institutions and individuals.

Each summer the inventory is assessed from top to bottom resulting in a comprehensive backlist and updated archive being ready for perusal in the Fall season.

[3][8] Artist AA Bronson served as executive director of Printed Matter from 2004-2010 and during that time created and directed the NY Art Book Fair.

[16][17] In collaboration with Artspace, Aspen Art Museum, and Centro University, Printed Matter created The Curated Shelf that displays and sells artists' books.