Minimalist Flat-Tight Back Binding. Lecture/demonstration at the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Flat Back Case Binding, Ethos of Making.

 

Fragments of pulp heroes, heroines and villians.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

For the last week or so I have what we call in the trade 'Creative Block' It happens to us all at some time or other. Hence the studio tidy up and xmas decorations (please see previous posts) Some of the best advice I was given on blocks and how to work with them was by a good friend of mine, now sadly in the great gallery in the sky ... Mel Gooding.. Mel Gooding He suggested that I should revisit the past anew. By this he indicated that one should re-look at, re-appraise past works or memories. To understand that we are always moving forward and what we did then we would, in all probability, do and understand differently. 

 

The past becomes a starting point. 

 

In this particular instance childhood memories of sci-fi comics scattered on the bedroom floor on rainy weekends. The deft strokes of the illustrator, the simple, bold colours and gripping dialogue taking me to strange and wonderful places. At night I would re-live the daring escapades of my pulp heroes and heroines during that twilight of wakefulness and sleep.

So a new book begins to take shape, fragments of pulp heroes, heroines and villians. 42cm x 30cm.

Please note.... there are other blocks and 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.

 

Christmas in Studio 5 Book Arts.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

A couple of things usually happen at this time of year in Studio 5. First is a tidy up, this year has been no different... 3 days and numerous dustbin bags have resulted in, well, in what can be only described as appearing to be no change from before.

Next is the Chrstmas decoration to the studio door. I thought I would opt for something a little less traditional. Odd, at this time of year I usually have any number of visitors!

Please note.... there are other Christmas decorations and 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.

 

Aspects of the Flat Back Case Bound Book.

My biblionautic chums and friends.

I thought I might share this short film thing.

Please note.... there are other films and 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tNliTSkDm4

Teaching at Flatford Mill. Dates are available for 2023!

 

My biblionautic chums and friends. More dates are available for 2023!

Please note.... there are other courses, 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.

 

https://www.field-studies-council.org/2022/05/26/learn-the-traditional-art-of-bookbinding-at-flatford-mill/ 

G H I. Gaudium Hora Inceptum. Gaudium = Joy/Happiness Hora = Time/Season Inceptum = Beginning

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

So, after Barbados I was in London. A day to clear the jet lag and get use to the weather found me at Maggs Bros https://www.maggs.com/ setting up the DesignerBookbinders winter exhibition. https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/

G H I. Gaudium Hora Inceptum. Gaudium = Joy/Happiness. Hora = Time/Season. Inceptum = Beginning.

As with all things the set up was a team effort and my thanks goes to all that helped. With the set up done it was time to relax for a day as the private view, the following evening beckoned.

 Marvelling over each book, reflecting on the dexterity and artistry of the makers, mince pie in hand, chatting with friends old and new, GHI actually reinforced my notion that if there is no other option things online are okay… but nothing can replace actually being there.

26 books/bindings by 21 Fellow and Licentiates of Designer Bookbinders makes for a rather wonderful show. What I really like about exhibiting at Maggs is the fact that the books are not behind glass. One can get up close and personal. The books are in the 'Front Room' of Maggs, arranged in a modern book case. Subtle lighting and decorated tree make for an environment that is more akin to how I see the modern library or collection.

 Lester Capon (President of Designer Bookbinders, right) with Ben Maggs, who, along with Sophie Schneideman was awarded Honorary Fellowship during the private view of GHI, in recognition of services to bookbinding and/or Designer Bookbinders.

 

For more information please visit Maggs https://www.maggs.com/  

To view the catalogue https://www.maggs.com/media/5570916/ghi-catalogue.pdf

Better still..... Go there in person if you can.

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.