FESTIVAL BINDINGS EXHIBITION 2026
“Festival Bindings is an exciting exhibition that is running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair from 10th – 29th August 2026. It features new and recent work by Fellows and Licentiates of Designer Bookbinders and most of the bindings are available for sale.“
THE DBUK BOOKBINDING COMPETITION 2027
“The DBUK Bookbinding Competition is an biennial event for UK-based bookbinders (excluding Fellows of Designer Bookbinders) to showcase their technical and artistic skills by binding a set book and/or their own “open choice” books. It encourages both traditional fine binding and more experimental approaches, with various prizes awarded for craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and student work. The competition, established in 1955, includes opportunities for public exhibition and feedback from experienced binders. The winners will be announced in November 2027.”
ABOUT
Designer Bookbinders is one of the foremost societies devoted to the craft of Contemporary bookbinding. Founded more than fifty years ago, our Society is a registered charity and has helped to establish the reputation of British bookbinding worldwide by means of events, education, exhibitions and publications.
Our membership includes some of the most highly regarded creators in the fields of fine bookbinding, book arts and artists’ books, each with a passion for presenting the bound text as a unique art object. Inspiration is the book in all its aspects – text, structure, illustration, print and paper – and the completed bindings are as diverse as the individuals who create them.
Become A Member
Designer Bookbinders Associate membership is open to subscribers worldwide. We welcome new members from all backgrounds – binders, conservators, collectors, librarians, teachers, people from other crafts, and book lovers in general. Learn more about becoming a member of Designer Bookbinders.
World Leaders In Our Craft
Designer Bookbinders Fellows are elected on submission of work, and are considered to have achieved the highest standards in both design and technique. Licentiates are elected on submission of work which is deemed to display a potential in design and technique likely to commend them as candidates for election to Fellowship within five years. The society is constantly seeking new talent, and promising bookbinders are encouraged to apply first for Licentiateship and then for Fellowship.
Learn Bookbinding Excellence From Craft Masters
Whether you’re a bookbinding beginner or an advanced artist, our regular masterclasses and workshops can help you to take the next steps in improving your craft. If you are based in the UK, when you are ready you could consider applying for Licentiateship.
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS SPOTLIGHT *
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
We are pleased to continue with a series of spotlight posts displaying some of the wonderful bindings available to view and purchase at the exhibition. There are only six days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
Today we have work by Angela James, Mark Cockram, Midori Kunikata-Cockram and Amy Kitcherside. Photographs by Chris McNulty.
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
Angela James, Fellow
THE ART OF BINDING BOOKS by Angela James
Fleece Press, 1991
Price: £1,080
Miniature binding. Printed flyleaves and endpapers. Leather joints. Sewn in linen tapes. Silk headbands worked. Covered in calf, airbrushed purple. Back-pared onlays of various calf pieces, either printed, tooled or stencilled, using remnants of previous Angela James bindings. Purple calf doublures. Box with drop-on lid. Base covered with black goatskin and lined with orange suede. Lid covered with red goatskin. Black lettering label blocked in white.
Mark Cockram, Fellow (@markbookartist)
365.0 by Mark Cockram
Mark Cockram, Studio 5 Book Arts, 2026
Price: £600
Palimpsest parchment hinged diptych. Hand-pierced rembroitage boards with 20m
* "FESTIVAL BINDINGS" *
Books, Glorious Books!!
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
The National Library of Scotland is the country`s premier reference archive and one of the largest research libraries in the United Kingdom. Housing a massive legal deposit collection of over 30 million physical pieces—including rare documents like the Gutenberg Bible and letters by Charles Darwin—it serves as the epicentre for preserving Scottish knowledge, history, and culture.
We are thrilled to be exhibiting at such a wonderful venue. There are only nine days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS SPOTLIGHT *
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
We are pleased to continue with a series of spotlight posts displaying some of the wonderful bindings available to view and purchase at the exhibition. There are only seven days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
Today we have work by Hannah Brown, Mark Cockram, Eri Funazaki and Ali Halley. Photographs by Chris McNulty.
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
Hannah Brown, Fellow (@hannah_brown_bookbinding)
THE SONGS AND SONNETS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE by William Shakespeare
Duckworth and Co., London circa 1915
Price: £4,500
Full leather stub binding with laced on boards and edge-to-edge leather doublures. Top edge hand-painted to compliment decorations in the book. Covered in leather with leather onlays and embroidery using coloured and metallic threads. Title embroidered down spine. Housed in a cherry wood box.
This book is a renowned illustrated anthology featuring twelve tipped-in colour plates by Charles Robinson. The design of the binding is inspired by one of the detailed watercolour plates. “On a day – alack the day! – Love, whose month is ever May, Spied a blossom passing fair Playing in the wa
* "FESTIVAL BINDINGS" *
Books, Glorious Books!!
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
The National Library of Scotland is the country`s premier reference archive and one of the largest research libraries in the United Kingdom. Housing a massive legal deposit collection of over 30 million physical pieces—including rare documents like the Gutenberg Bible and letters by Charles Darwin—it serves as the epicentre for preserving Scottish knowledge, history, and culture.
We are thrilled to be exhibiting at such a wonderful venue. There are only nine days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS SPOTLIGHT *
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
We are pleased to start a series of spotlight posts displaying some of the wonderful bindings available to view and purchase at the exhibition. There are only nine days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
Today we have work by Stuart Brockman, Hannah Brown, Jo Bird, Sue Doggett and Mark Cockram. Photographs by Chris McNulty.
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
Mark Cockram, Fellow (@markbookartist)
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde
Charles Carrington, Paris, 1910
Price: £960
Full hand-dyed leather binding. Free hand-tooling in foil on front and back boards and spine. Hand-printed endpapers and doublures with leather joints.
The surface of the binding is abraded to ‘age’ the surface which has been torn and distressed in places, or left twisted and brooding in others, all to create a ‘canvas’. The original artist’s painting becomes lost in a patchwork of colours and low relief sculpture over the image of Dorian Gray who never aged although his picture did. Each immoral act leaving the picture eaten away; a twisted ungodly creature. The foxing of the pages intentionally kept, emphasising the mot
* "FESTIVAL BINDINGS" *
Books, Glorious Books!!
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
The National Library of Scotland is the country`s premier reference archive and one of the largest research libraries in the United Kingdom. Housing a massive legal deposit collection of over 30 million physical pieces—including rare documents like the Gutenberg Bible and letters by Charles Darwin—it serves as the epicentre for preserving Scottish knowledge, history, and culture.
We are thrilled to be exhibiting at such a wonderful venue. There are only nine days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS SPOTLIGHT *
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
We are pleased to start a series of spotlight posts displaying some of the wonderful bindings available to view and purchase at the exhibition. There are only nine days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
Today we have work by Ted Bennett, Jo Bird, James Brockman and Rachel Ward-Sale. Photographs by Chris McNulty.
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
Ted Bennett, Fellow (@t.b.bennett)
THE ABSTRACT GARDEN by Philip Gross
The Old Stile Press, 2006
Price: £3,300
All edges gilt. Covered in full toned vellum. Leather onlays tooled in gold, radiating lines using acrylic ink. Dots tooled in gold. Drop-back box lined with green velvet.
The design depicts a circle of flowers radiating from the centre of the book. Each flower head is tooled from a single letter, together spelling ABSTRACT GARDEN.
Jo Bird, Fellow (@jobirdbooks)
LAST POEMS by A.E Housman
Grant Richards, London, 1922
Price: £1,560
Hand-dyed paper boards. Leather spine. Bradel binding. Recessed inlays of hand-dyed calf skin.
James Brockman, Fellow
BRITTEN’S ALDEBURGH by John Craig
The Whittington Press, 1997
Price: £4,200
Traditionally boun
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS SPOTLIGHT *
We are over a week into our exhibition, "Festival Bindings" at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 32 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
We are pleased to start a series of spotlight posts displaying some of the wonderful bindings available to view and purchase at the exhibition. There are only nine days left to visit this exhibition, so if you are in Edinburgh you mustn`t miss out!
Venue: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri/Sat 10-5, Sun Closed
Today we have work by Jane Adams, Glenn Bartley, Richard Beadsmoore and Jenn Belfield. Photographs by Chris McNulty.
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website. If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
Jane Adams, Licentiate (@poplarjane)
FOUR QUARTETS by T.S.Eliot
The Folio Society, 1968
Price: £720
Case binding in goatskin with double gate-fold hinged boards. Lettered on spine.
Each panel lettered with the title of one of the four Quartets with decorations by the binder representing the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Outer boards have a single recessed circle referencing the ‘still point of the turning world‘.
Glenn Bartley, Fellow
THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS by John Bunyan
Shakespeare Head Press for the Cresset Press 1928
Price: £4,800
Two volumes bound in matching but dissimilar full calf vellum, decorated with acrylic inks beneath and on the surface of the vellum with gold-tooling and lettering. Rough gilt edges. Japanese Minge
* DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS AT THE SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS CONFERENCE IN YORK *
We have just spent a brilliant few days in York at the Society of Bookbinders Conference. Thank you to everyone who came by our stand in the trade fair area and bought catalogues and journals!
Volumes of our highly regarded journal, The New Bookbinder, seemed very popular. TNB covers all aspects of binding, and includes articles on binding design, methods and techniques, contemporary and historical movements, profiles of prominent binders worldwide, book and small press reviews.
@society_of_bookbinders
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #bookbindingconference #bookbindingjournal #thenewbookbinder
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS *
We are delighted to share the first few images of Designer Bookbinders current exhibition, "Festival Bindings". The exhibition is currently on at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Running from 10 to 29 August 2026, the event coincides with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh Book Fair.
The private view took place on Monday 10th August. The exhibition showcases new and recent work crafted by 31 of today`s leading bookbinders, all Fellows and Licentiates of our society. Most of the bindings on display are offered for sale, with a number sold already.
The online catalogue is now available to view on our website here:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/designer-bookbinders-at-the-national-library-of-scotland/
If you are interested in purchasing any of the books, please contact the binder directly using the "Contact Binder" link on the online catalogue.
NB. If you visit the exhibition and have photos you are willing to share with us, please send them directly to pem@designerbookbinders.org.uk!
@natlibscot
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #contemporarybookbinding #bookbindingexhibition #designbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS - COUNTDOWN TO THE EXHIBITION! *
There`s not long to go now...Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit during the Edinburgh Festival and hope that you will enjoy the variety of techniques, materials and craftsmanship as well as the different approaches to binding design in the 21st Century with which Design Bookbinders is associated.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and the online catalogue will be released following the private view. This catalogue features details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. For the next few days we will continue to whet your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?! Who is the binder that you are most looking forward to seeing new work from?
You can see a list of everyone with work in the exhibition by visiting the "Festival Bindings" page on the Designer Bookbinders website at the following link:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/festival-bindings/
@natlibscot
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS - COUNTDOWN TO THE EXHIBITION! *
There`s not long to go now...Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit during the Edinburgh Festival and hope that you will enjoy the variety of techniques, materials and craftsmanship as well as the different approaches to binding design in the 21st Century with which Design Bookbinders is associated.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and the online catalogue will be released following the private view. This catalogue features details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. For the next few days we will continue to whet your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?! Who is the binder that you are most looking forward to seeing new work from?
You can see a list of everyone with work in the exhibition by visiting the "Festival Bindings" page on the Designer Bookbinders website at the following link:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/festival-bindings/
@natlibscot
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS - COUNTDOWN TO THE EXHIBITION! *
There`s not long to go now...Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit during the Edinburgh Festival and hope that you will enjoy the variety of techniques, materials and craftsmanship as well as the different approaches to binding design in the 21st Century with which Designer Bookbinders is associated.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and the online catalogue will be released following the private view. This catalogue features details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. For the next few days we will continue to whet your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?! Who is the binder that you are most looking forward to seeing new work from?
You can see a list of everyone with work in the exhibition by visiting the "Festival Bindings" page on the Designer Bookbinders website at the following link:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/festival-bindings/
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS - COUNTDOWN TO THE EXHIBITION! *
There`s not long to go now...Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit during the Edinburgh Festival and hope that you will enjoy the variety of techniques, materials and craftsmanship as well as the different approaches to binding design in the 21st Century with which Designer Bookbinders is associated.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and the online catalogue will be released following the private view. This catalogue features details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. For the next few days we will continue to whet your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?! Who is the binder that you are most looking forward to seeing new work from?
You can see a list of everyone with work in the exhibition by visiting the "Festival Bindings" page on the Designer Bookbinders website at the following link:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/festival-bindings/
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS *
Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and we are currently building an online catalogue which will feature details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. Whilst we are behind the scenes preparing all this content we are going to start whetting your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?!
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS *
Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and we are currently building an online catalogue which will feature details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. Whilst we are behind the scenes preparing all this content we are going to start whetting your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?!
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* THURSDAY TITLES: DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS IN NORTH AMERICA *
Our society has produced many high quality publications dedicated to the art of fine binding, which focus on modern, artistic and other binding techniques from notable bookbinders of the time. The "Thursday Titles" feature this week focuses on the catalogue, `Designer Bookbinders in North America`.
The Designer Bookbinders in North America exhibition was an eight-venue, 18-month touring exhibition that showcased fine contemporary bookbinding. The tour officially began at the Rochester 2000 Conference and concluded in Toronto, Canada, in September 2001. The exhibition featured 47 unique, highly diverse bindings crafted by 24 esteemed Fellows and Licentiates of our society. This catalogue features full colour images of all the bindings in the exhibition, plus information about each of the binders.
The following quote from this publication comes from the introduction, "The New Art of Making. Books" written by Former Fellow, Philip Smith:
"To relate to the spirit of a text, an image need not be illustrative of either the title or the text, but questions of harmony and perhaps practicality must be considered." (page 8)
A limited number of `Designer Bookbinders in North America` are listed for sale for £7.50 (non-members) and £5 (members) on our website here:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/shop/catalogues/designer-bookbinders-in-north-america/
#bookbindingpublication #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebookbinding #bookbindingcompetition
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS *
Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and we are currently building an online catalogue which will feature details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices. Whilst we are behind the scenes preparing all this content we are going to start whetting your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?!
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* FESTIVAL BINDINGS *
Designer Bookbinders will be exhibiting at the National Library of Scotland from the 10th - 29th August 2026. Running concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Book Fair, this exciting exhibition will feature new and recent work by both Fellows and Licentiates of our society.
Most of the bindings are available for sale and we are currently building an online catalogue which will feature details of the bindings (both publication details and descriptions of the designs) and prices.
Whilst we are behind the scenes preparing all this content we are going to start whetting your appetite with some thumbnails of the wonderful bindings that will be on display: can you spot the binder just from these little snapshots of their work?!
(Photography by Chris McNulty
www.chrismcnulty.co.uk)
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS ON THE ROAD! *
After a slightly quieter spell, Designer Bookbinders will be on the road twice in August!
Firstly, we will have a stand at the Society of Bookbinders Conference at York University from the 14–16 August 2026. Please come and say hello if you are attending the conference.
And secondly, we are also very pleased to announce an new exhibition called, "FESTIVAL BINDINGS" which is an upcoming display of contemporary bookbinding by Fellows and Licentiates of Designer Bookbinders that will be taking place at The National Library of Scotland (George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW) from the 10-29 August 2026.
We are currently working on updating our website with further details. There will also be much more to report about each of these events on our social media channels, including sharing images of some of the wonderful new bindings that you will be able to see displayed in Edinburgh.
Stay tuned for more!
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #festivalbindings #contemporarybookbinding
* DIETER RÄDER *�
Designer Bookbinders are very sad to hear of the passing of Dieter Räder.
Dieter began his journey into bookbinding at the age of 16 in Germany. He was an acclaimed master bookbinder and conservator with over 40 years of international experience specialising in fine bindings and the restoration of antiquarian books. Dieter has left an indelible mark on the international bookbinding community and will be sorely missed. The thoughts of DB are with Philippa Räder, their family and friends.
* This image of Dieter was taken in 2019 during the Queen`s Bindery Apprenticeship at Windsor Castle, when he taught the apprentices how to make a European Springback.
| The Designer Bookbinders Newsletter 214 Summer 2026 |
We are pleased to announce that the next Designer Bookbinders Summer newsletter is heading towards the inboxes of all our members for you to read during your upcoming travels (or at home in your garden!). This bumper 42-page edition comes to our members in the form of an e-newsletter this quarter and we would like to thank both Mark Cockram and Linda Miles for compiling all this information for us to delight in.
This newsletter includes a 20 questions feature with our newest Fellow Ted Bennett, whose pet hate is rotten leather (I imagine most bookbinders would quite agree!). You will also see some of our Licentiates faces in this newsletter with features on our three newest Licentiates: Ali Halley, Matt Stokl and Maria Rikaikina. Some of our other Licentiates have also submitted articles on their recent progress, with Jane Adams, Miranda Kemp, Kate Rochester, Toben Lewis and Gillian Stewart writing about everything from tool sharpening to airbrushing. Licentiates are assigned two Fellows of the Society to mentor them in developing their design skills and technique, take part in running the Society, and exhibit in the Society’s exhibitions. We are always really interested to hear about how they are progressing and reading reports like these is very encouraging.
We are also treated to an article written by Fellow Nicky Oliver and book conservator Karen Vidler who have collaborated to form "The Bench Publications". The intention of their books is to offer basic guides to some fundamental techniques and knowledge in bookbinding and book conservation.
If you wish to become a member of Designer Bookbinders you will receive four of these newsletters each year (two digital, and two printed) plus a copy of our annual publication, The New Bookbinder. Please see the Designer Bookbinders website for more or PM us for more details.
@markbookartist @hanburypress @bailemorbooks @poplarjane @bailemorbooks @mirandakempbooks @juju.books @mattstockl @maria_ruzaikina @theshetlandbinder @t.b.bennett @blackfoxbindery
#bookbinding #designerbookbinders #designerbookbindersnewsletter #workofabookbinder #bookbindingsociety
* THURSDAY TITLES: STONE, TEN BINDINGS *
Our society has produced many high quality publications dedicated to the art of fine binding, which focus on modern, artistic and other binding techniques from notable bookbinders of the time. This Thursday we are featuring a title published by Kulgin D. Duval and Colin H. Hamilton in 1987 titled; "Stone, Ten Bindings", which accompanied an exhibition of work by Faith Shannon at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, 2006.
‘Stone’ is the final body of work by the late Faith Shannon, Honorary Fellow of DB. The commissioning collectors Kulgin D. Duval and Colin H. Hamilton had to be patient, as the group took sixteen years to complete. The wait was well worth it though, as the series turned out to be a stand-alone masterpiece. Blurring the lines between fine binding and sculptural exploration, Faith Shannon created surfaces as smooth as basalt and equally cold to the touch, spreading lichen, and folded up-thrusts, to name a few.
The following quote from this publication comes from the introduction written by the Colin H. Hamilton:
"...a pebble, stone, or perhaps a beautiful piece of slate which sat in a window ledge now, might turn out to be inspiration for a box for one of the bindings." (page 7)
There was a retrospective exhibition of these bindings in 2022 at tHe Crafts Council Gallery in London, you can read about it on our website here:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/stones-ten-bindings/
A number of copies of `Stone: Ten Bindings` are listed for sale for £10 on our website here:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/shop/catalogues/stone-ten-bindings/
#bookbindingpublication #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebookbinding #bookbindingcompetition
* JOINT WORKSHOPS RECAP *
The new programme of workshops for the joint DB/SoB series continued a few weeks ago with Doug Mitchell teaching, "A Cloth Reback".
In this workshop students learnt the basics of book repairs using a variety of cloths, papers, tissues and adhesives. Through a mixture of demonstration and practice they were taught how to: deconstruct a book in a safe and systematic fashion, repair both individual pages and sections, prepare their book should it require resewing, replace the end papers, and undertake any repairs to the cover in order to allow new material to be added.
Students were asked to bring two to four hardcover clothbound books, no bigger than A5 and with a stable book block (as time was limited) that you are happy to replace the end papers on if needed. Many books were successfully repaired and skills passed on to all the students!
_______
Jane Adams (for DB) and Wanda Robins (for SoB) have taken over as the new co-ordinators, and from this year, the programme will run with the calendar year, although the timing is broadly unchanged. The workshops offer a range of topics suitable for different levels of experience and interest and take place over a weekend in venues around the country. Many are in the tutor’s own studio and all tutors are established, experienced teachers. Once again we have managed to keep the fees for this year’s programme at the same level as last year: £185 for members of either Society and £205 for non-members and hope you agree they represent excellent value.
You can see more details of the courses that are still to take place at the following link:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/education/designer-bookbinders-society-of-bookbinders-joint-workshops/
Some workshops are already sold out, however don`t fear! Please contact us to be added to the waiting list, as in some cases if there is enough demand the workshops may be repeated on a future date.
@rambling_bookman
#bookbindingworkshops #learnbookbinding #workofabookbinder #bookbinding #learntomakebooks
* JOINT WORKSHOPS RECAP *
The new programme of workshops for the joint DB/SoB series began a few weeks ago with Gillian Stewart teaching, "Drum Leaf Binding: variations, structure and play".
"The drum leaf binding is a great structure for any bookbinder to know. It allows double pages to be bound from single page prints, making it a good option for thicker paper or art prints. It’s versatile, offering the chance to use heavy or light papers, and the sculptural form offers many design opportunities."
In this workshop, students were taught how to make multiple versions of the structure, with several tweaks and design interventions to inspire their future books. Various methods of board attachment were explored, including a sewn boards variation and a pop out spine. They were encouraged to bring some of their own prints/paintings to bind into one of the books.
_______
Jane Adams (for DB) and Wanda Robins (for SoB) have taken over as the new co-ordinators, and from this year, the programme will run with the calendar year, although the timing is broadly unchanged. The workshops offer a range of topics suitable for different levels of experience and interest and take place over a weekend in venues around the country. Many are in the tutor’s own studio and all tutors are established, experienced teachers. Once again we have managed to keep the fees for this year’s programme at the same level as last year: £185 for members of either Society and £205 for non-members and hope you agree they represent excellent value.
You can see more details of the courses that are still to take place at the following link:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/education/designer-bookbinders-society-of-bookbinders-joint-workshops/
Some workshops are already sold out, however don`t fear! Please contact us to be added to the waiting list, as in some cases if there is enough demand the workshops may be repeated on a future date.
@juju.books
#bookbindingworkshops #learnbookbinding #workofabookbinder #bookbinding #learntomakebooks
* THURSDAY TITLES: INSIDE OUT *
Our society has produced many high quality publications dedicated to the art of fine binding, which focus on modern, artistic and other binding techniques from notable bookbinders of the time. The "Thursday Titles" feature this week focuses on the catalogue, `Inside Out`.
This catalogue was published to accompany the 2014 exhibition celebrating the art and craft of contemporary bookbinding and private press printing. The relationship between private presses and bookbinders is longstanding and fifty-nine binders and nine private presses from North America, Canada and Britain collaborated to form an exhibition demonstrating the relationship of the binding design to the printed book. Because many of the binders chose the same title to work on, it also highlighted the differing approaches to the same text. The publication features full colour images of all the bindings in the exhibitions, plus many examples of the printed texts.
The following quote from this publication comes from the foreword written by the President of Designer Bookbinders in 2014, Stephen Conway:
"I am sure you will agree that the texts and the bindings live equally side-by-side and do justice to both the great crafts of printing and bookbinding." (page 5)
A limited number of `Inside Out` are listed for sale for £10 on our website here:
https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/shop/catalogues/insideout/
#bookbindingpublication #designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebookbinding #bookbindingcompetition
* LONDON CRAFT WEEK 2026: DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS AT THE ART ACADEMY, LONDON *
Thank you to everyone who came along to The Art Academy in London last week to visit Designer Bookbinders during our participation at London Craft Week.
Yesterday was the last day of both the exhibition and the demonstrations, with Flora Ginn demonstrating `Interactive tooling`. In traditional bookbinding, "tooling" refers to the decorative process of impressing heated metal stamps, wheels, or letters into materials like leather or bookcloth. This can be done simply with blind tooling (heat only) or by applying gold leaf and adhesives. Flora brought along little leather cards to work on, and observers could even give it a go themselves if they wanted to try!
Many thanks goes to The Clothworkers’ Company who supported us in exhibiting a display of Contemporary British Bookbinding, with over 60 books bound by Fellows, Licentiates and students of our Transferring Design programme, alongside a selection of designer bindings from The Clothworkers’ Company collection.
We would also like to thank The Art Academy for the use of their wonderful venue for the duration of London Craft Week. The Art Academy is a London-based art school founded in 2000 that blends traditional art techniques with contemporary theory, offering courses from BA degrees and Foundation programs to short evening and weekend classes in disciplines like painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It aims to provide high-quality, accessible art education with significant tutor contact hours and features a new Bankside campus with public galleries, workshops, and community outreach programs to support artists at all levels.
@the_artacademy_
@londoncraftweek
@clothworkers_co
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebinding #designbinding #contemporarybinding
* LONDON CRAFT WEEK 2026: DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS AT THE ART ACADEMY, LONDON *
Today is the very last day of London Craft Week 2026! Each day different members have been invigilating, plus each afternoon a practical demonstration has been held at the venue, with free admission so you just have a few more hours to come along and see us and learn more about the craft of bookbinding.
This afternoon (Sunday 17th May), visitors to The Art Academy are being treated to a practical demonstration by Fellow Flora Ginn on `Interactive tooling`. In traditional bookbinding, "tooling" refers to the decorative process of impressing heated metal stamps, wheels, or letters into materials like leather or bookcloth. This can be done simply with blind tooling (heat only) or by applying gold leaf and adhesives. Flora has brought along little leather cards to work on, and observers can even give it a go themselves if they want to try!
We are also exhibiting over 60 books bound by Fellows, Licentiates and students of our Transferring Design programme, alongside a selection of designer bindings from The Clothworkers’ Company collection.
The Art Academy is a London-based art school founded in 2000 that blends traditional art techniques with contemporary theory, offering courses from BA degrees and Foundation programs to short evening and weekend classes in disciplines like painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It aims to provide high-quality, accessible art education with significant tutor contact hours and features a new Bankside campus with public galleries, workshops, and community outreach programs to support artists at all levels.
The address for where to find us is: The Art Academy, 185c Bankside, Park Street, London, SE1 9BL
Exhibition:
11 May 2026 - 16 May 2026, 10:00 - 16:30
17 May 2026, 10:00 - 14:00
Demonstrations (please see our website for what is happening each day):
11 May 2026 - 16 May 2026, 14:00 - 16:30
17 May 2026, 12:00 - 14:00
@the_artacademy_
@londoncraftweek
@clothworkers_co
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebinding #designbinding #contemporarybinding
* LONDON CRAFT WEEK 2026: DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS AT THE ART ACADEMY, LONDON *
We are approaching the end of London Craft Week 2026, with six days down and just one day to go! Each day different members have been invigilating, plus each afternoon a practical demonstration has been held at the venue, with free admission so you have one more day left to come along and see us and learn more about the craft of bookbinding.
This afternoon (Saturday 16th May), visitors to The Art Academy were treated to a practical demonstration by Fellow Glenn Bartley on `Gold tooling decorative borders`. In bookbinding, decorative borders are created by heating up decorative rolls, which are then rolled across leather to create continuous intricate borders in genuine gold leaf.
We are also exhibiting over 60 books bound by Fellows, Licentiates and students of our Transferring Design programme, alongside a selection of designer bindings from The Clothworkers’ Company collection.
The Art Academy is a London-based art school founded in 2000 that blends traditional art techniques with contemporary theory, offering courses from BA degrees and Foundation programs to short evening and weekend classes in disciplines like painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It aims to provide high-quality, accessible art education with significant tutor contact hours and features a new Bankside campus with public galleries, workshops, and community outreach programs to support artists at all levels.
The address for where to find us is: The Art Academy, 185c Bankside, Park Street, London, SE1 9BL
Exhibition:
11 May 2026 - 16 May 2026, 10:00 - 16:30
17 May 2026, 10:00 - 14:00
Demonstrations (please see our website for what is happening each day):
11 May 2026 - 16 May 2026, 14:00 - 16:30
17 May 2026, 12:00 - 14:00
@the_artacademy_
@londoncraftweek
@clothworkers_co
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebinding #designbinding #contemporarybinding
* LONDON CRAFT WEEK 2026: DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS AT THE ART ACADEMY, LONDON *
London Craft Week 2026 is in full swing, with five days down and two days to go! Each day different members will be invigilating, plus each afternoon a practical demonstration will be held at the venue, with free admission so please come along and see us and learn more about the craft of bookbinding.
Yesterday, visitors to The Art Academy were treated to a practical demonstration by our President, Stuart Brockman (@stuartbrockman) on `Gold tooling spines`. In bookbinding, gold tooling on book spines is a traditional bookbinding technique that uses heated brass tools and genuine gold leaf to impress permanent, shimmering designs and lettering. It requires immense precision, as the binder must perfectly align tools and regulate heat to bond the gold to the leather surface.
We are also exhibiting over 60 books bound by Fellows, Licentiates and students of our Transferring Design programme, alongside a selection of designer bindings from The Clothworkers’ Company collection.
The Art Academy is a London-based art school founded in 2000 that blends traditional art techniques with contemporary theory, offering courses from BA degrees and Foundation programs to short evening and weekend classes in disciplines like painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It aims to provide high-quality, accessible art education with significant tutor contact hours and features a new Bankside campus with public galleries, workshops, and community outreach programs to support artists at all levels.
The address for where to find us is: The Art Academy, 185c Bankside, Park Street, London, SE1 9BL
Exhibition:
11 May 2026 - 16 May 2026, 10:00 - 16:30
17 May 2026, 10:00 - 14:00
Demonstrations (please see our website for what is happening each day):
11 May 2026 - 16 May 2026, 14:00 - 16:30
17 May 2026, 12:00 - 14:00
@the_artacademy_
@londoncraftweek
@clothworkers_co
#designerbookbinders #workofabookbinder #finebinding #designbinding #contemporarybinding
