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.