Studio 5 Masterclass in Knife Sharpening for the Bookbinder.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

 

Today in Studio 5... A Masterclass in knife sharpening for the book binder/bookartist/restorer etc.

 

Unlike many teaching establishments my minimum number for any class is one with a maximum of five (It is Studio 5 afterall). Today is one!. The participant DM'd/emailed me asking for a special class, it is as easy as that.

 

We will be investigating different methods, stones and the like. Along with edge paring practise with calf, goat skin, vellum/parchment and paper.

 

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

 

Open Evening Class at Studio 5.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Prep for the Studio 5 Evening Class. Every Wednesday evening that is available (sometimes I am out of the studio!).

Other evenings are available!

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

 

Another Blast from the Past.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

 

Another blast from the past! From an auction sale....

 

Reliquary Number 1.

 

I had fun making this one.

 

For further details please follow the link.

 

Reliquary Number 1.

 

Please further note.... there are other studios/binderies doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

Blasts from the Past... Rats!

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

 

Two Blasts from the past.

 

Recently I was contacted by a collector who wished for a little more information on some of my early books/books arts that he had purchaced in an auction sale.

 

Today he visited Studio 5 with the books and a small commission. Nice.

 

First is Brown Rats... Semi Limp Binding. Yes you have guessed it, bound in rat skin. The story behind this one is; Many years ago, in the mid to late 1990s my farther asked me what would be the most repugnant thing I could think of to bind a book in. I guess my first thoughts were about human skin. However, on reflection, I thought that it is not uncommon for books to be bound in human skin. There are many examples.. just do a little research dear reader. My answer to his question was... Rat Skin. Just the thought of it.... So my father went out and shot a few rats, skinned them then tawed them (make into leather without the use of tannin, by soaking them in a solution of alum and salt.) I was presented with the finished skins and a slim volume... Brown Rats. I really enjoyed the binding, we both thought the finished result was sooooo cool.

2nd is Hand and Head, a little note book, based on a mid 14th century construction, wooden boards, full leather etc. With the original blurb by myself still wrapping the text block.

 

For more details please follow the link.

 

T W Gaze Auction.

 

 

Please further note.... there are other studios/binderies doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

 

 

Cult Postcards From London.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Books come in all shapes and sizes.

Sometimes I find myself work on miniatures, these are books that are less than 3 inches in any direction.

For the last few days I have been editing a modest collection of advertising cards. Usually found in telephone boxes in London and other cities around the world.

These cards are partof the urban landscape. From humbe origins in the 1960s, careful wording and references hid the true nature of what was being advertised. By the mid 1980s photo copies with printed text telephone numbers and hand drawn images began appearing in tlephone boxes.

Later neon colours, either as the card stock or printing, along with photographis images added splashes of intense colour to the backdrop of making a telephone call.

These cards are now part of the urban landscape with the cards of the 1980s and 90s influencing artists, being regarded by many as accidental or street art. They have become part of the under or counter culture of London and elsewhere and as such have a cult following.

There have been a number of exhibitions, publications and have been the subject of research in social history, communication and advertising.

 

Postcards From London is a limited edition of 50. Hand bound in ¼ leather. Each binding will be unique. H 74mm x W 54mm x D 5mm. 24 colour and black and white reproductions. 

 

For more info email me on studio5bookarts@aol.co.uk

Please further note.... there are other studios/binderies doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

Chelsea Arts Club Chatity Auction... The result.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Just a note to say that this year’s Chelsea Arts Club Charity Auction is now closed. With over 150 original artworks created by Members, including many established names and some stellar new talent too. As ever, all proceeds will go to the two Club charities: the AGBI and the CAC Trust.

The amount raised was £31, 715.

Thank you all who looked, placed a bid etc etc etc.

https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/chelseaartsclubcharityauction...

Please further note.... there are other studios/binderies doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.