La Ville. Considered Spontaneity.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

La Ville. A commission.

The last few days have seen me working over the first of two lino cuts for the end papers and doublers.

Below is the first pull of half of the front end paper/doubler, just to see how it is going. Still some way to go but it should work.

A montage taken and abstracted from the prints...

The first pull.

The lino.

The design for the binding has been sort of finalised, perhaps I should say the technique I am going to be using has been finalised. The binding will come together in the application of the covering technique. A degree of considered spontaneity will be involved.

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.

DIMENSION A Remboitage diptych Artist’s Book

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

A new exhibition in Book Art SpacE.

DIMENSION

A Remboitage diptych Artist’s Book

Mark Cockram 2022.

A unique diptych of antique leather covered boards hinged with palimpsest parchment. Black on black worked prints on paper

to each of the inner boards. The images either seen or unseen depending on the angle of viewing.

BASE exhibition No 6

 

Invented by Louis Daguerre and introduced worldwide in 1839, the daguerreotype was almost completely superseded by 1860 with new, less expensive processes, such as ambrotype, that yield more readily viewable images. There has been a revival of daguerreotype since the late 20th century by a small number of photographers interested in making artistic use of early photographic processes.

The first authenticated image of Abraham Lincoln, a daguerreotype of him as U.S. Congressman-elect in 1846, attributed to Nicholas H. Shepard.

To make the image, a daguerreotypist polished a sheet of silver-plated copper to a mirror finish; treated it with fumes that made its surface light sensitive; exposed it in a camera for as long as was judged to be necessary, which could be as little as a few seconds for brightly sunlit subjects or much longer with less intense lighting; made the resulting latent image on it visible by fuming it with mercury vapor; removed its sensitivity to light by liquid chemical treatment; rinsed and dried it; and then sealed the easily marred result behind glass in a protective enclosure.

The image is on a mirror-like silver surface and will appear either positive or negative, depending on the angle at which it is viewed, how it is lit and whether a light or dark background is being reflected in the metal. The darkest areas of the image are simply bare silver; lighter areas have a microscopically fine light-scattering texture. The surface is very delicate, and even the lightest wiping can permanently scuff it. Some tarnish around the edges is normal.

Several types of antique photographs, most often ambrotypes and tintypes, but sometimes even old prints on paper, are commonly misidentified as daguerreotypes, especially if they are in the small, ornamented cases in which daguerreotypes made in the US and the UK were usually housed. The name "daguerreotype" correctly refers only to one very specific image type and medium, the product of a process that was in wide use only from the early 1840s to the late 1850s. The image needs to be viewed facing the image as when viewed at an angle the image appears to disappear.

 

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.

 

We Go To The Gallery.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

It is not all about books. There are boxes... in this case for a modern 1st edition. The start of all the retro Lady Bird Books.

We Go to the Gallery. This is a very interesting book... try to find it on line.

Though the box protects the contents it also indicates the contents. Now I realise that I have not titled the box. More it has just a graffiti style/stencil 1 a to the spine and front. I have found that most collectors know exactly where things are in their collections or, in the case of a book person, library. So an 1 to the spine will surfice and be, I hope, intriguing to those that see the library/collection.

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.

 

 

Finished...... Alphabetum Romanum The Letterforms of Felice Feliciano.... Both book and box.

My biblionautic chums and friends.

 

Work is finished...... Alphabetum Romanum

The Letterforms of Felice Feliciano. Both book and box.

 

A smallish book beautifully printed by the Greenboathouse Press. 

 

A flat back bound with Palimpsest Parchment in a two tray drop back box.

 

As, dear reader, I hope you can tell, I had fun with the box. The colours of the book are echoed within the box construction. I realise, of course that the title of the book is not Q. However, the cropped Q in the forward is just to cool not to be used. 

 

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.

 

 

Finished...... Alphabetum Romanum The Letterforms of Felice Feliciano

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Finished...... Alphabetum Romanum The Letterforms of Felice Feliciano. .... Just the box to make.

 

A smallish book beautifully printed by the Greenboathouse Press. 

 

A flat back bound with Palimpsest Parchment. Leather jointed end papers to edge to edge paper doublers. Applied leather end bands. The choice for a flat back was dictated by a number of aspects when I first appraised the text block. The sewing holes where already pricked, the paper is heavy with many folios persection.. this resulted in thick sections and last, but not least... yes the big one...grain direction... which is, as one could say...against the grain.

 

It is so important to be able to understand what one is working with. What can and perhaps more importantly, what cannot be done. I always encourage experimentation to find out what is the can and cannot. 

 

All to often many binders go in to default mode when making a designed or contemporary binding, full leather, to throw everything at it. Inlays, onlays, lots of bling and that sort of thing. And because it is leather they say it is a fine binding. Trust me, I have seen many full leather bindings with the bling that I would not, in any way, call a 'Fine' binding. I consider that what makes a fine binding, as in many things, is the finesse of the final work, be it in leather, cloth, paper etc.

 

The design for the binding of Alphabetum Romanum and the colours are inspired by the text ... as is usually the case. Truncated letter forms echo the cropped large Q in the forward, as per the instructions from the printer. And who am I to argue with the person who designed and printed the text block?.

 

Sometimes simplicity is the important thing.

 

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.

 

The binding.

Leather jointed end papers to edge to edge doublers.

Detail of above.

The truncated Q.
 

Finally, a note from the printer relating to trimming etc.

Alphabetum Romanum The Letterforms of Felice Feliciano

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

 

Work in progress...... Alphabetum Romanum The Letterforms of Felice Feliciano. 

 

A smallish book beautifully printed by the Greenboathouse Press. 

 

A flat back bound with Palimpsest Parchment.The design of the binding, the cropped letter forms is inspired by the text... More about that later.

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.

 

 

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.

Chelsea Arts Club. Charity Auction. The last few hours.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Just a note to say that this year’s Chelsea Arts Club Charity Auction closes at 8 pm tonight. 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.

My contribution is lot 135 if you are interested.

You still have time to place a bid or to increase an existing bid. Bidding is open to Members and non-Members and it’s so easy to do. Just go to

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

to register, view the works and place your bid. If you are outbid you will receive a notification giving you a chance to bid again. It’s fun and such an easy way to secure an original piece for your home.

A huge thank you to those who have contributed work this year and to those who have placed a bid.

Don’t forget, bidding remains open until 8 pm tonight - good luck!

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.

 

 

New Exhibition at BASE.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

A new exhibition at Book Art SpacE BASE. A tiny exhibition space for book arts in S. W. London (Studio 5)

BASE Exhibition No 6.

5 MINIATURE ARTISTS’ BOOKS 5

5 surrealistic short novels inspired by Max Ernst's Surrealistic novel Une Semaine De Bonté.

Mark Cockram 2021.

Each book is unique, unique collaged-hand

coloured text block, unique binding.

The text blocks have been collaged the

bindings are of leather, mixed media

and trasparent palimpsest parchment (By the artist).

7.5cm x 5.3cm x 1.8mm.

From left to right.

PARASOL

EYE

CLOWN

TOWER

FISHNET

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romeo and Juliet. Palimpsest Parchment

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Work in progress...... A working prototype, Romeo and Juliet. A smallish book with many notes added, delightful and fun.

Bound with

Palimpsest Parchment, please note... no grooves. Leather jointed end papers.

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.... If I Ruled the World.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

If I Ruled The World.......fund raiser...... The title being... If I Ruled The World. My entry is LONG LIVE THE BOOK (What else?) Lot number 135. A work with both a front and a back, though only the front can be seen on on the Chelsea Arts Club auction site.. so I give you the front and back....

 

 

Please note that there are other works by many fine artists.

 

The fund raiser is for the charities that Chelsea Arts Club support.

This year our charity auction is hosted once again by Jumblebee.co.uk and bidding will be on-line through this site.

As ever, all proceeds will be split evenly between the two Club charities, the Chelsea Arts Club Trust, which provides grants for young artists at critical points in their career and the Artists' General Benevolent Institution, which supports artists who cannot work due to illness, accident or older age.

Auction bidding is open to Members and non-members and all lots are on display at the Club, as well as on-line.

Bidding closes at 8.00pm on Thursday 31st March.

Placing a bid is easy and quick to do – just follow these instructions:

HOW TO PLACE A BID:

Register on-line using your name, email address and by creating a password at:

www.jumblebee.co.uk/chelseaartsclubcharityauction2022

To do this click on ‘Sign In’ at the top of the page and once registered you will receive an acknowledgement email from Jumblebee.

 

All items have a starting price of £ 50 and bidding is in minimum increments of £10.

If you are out bid you will receive an automatic email notification from Jumblebee and you can carry on bidding if you wish.

You also have the option of placing a ‘proxy bid’ or maximum price you are prepared to pay: every time you are out bid by another bidder the Jumblebee site will keep bidding on your behalf in increments of £10, up to the maximum price you have nominated.

At the close of the auction successful bidders will be sent a confirmation email from Jumblebee with a payment link. All payments will be through the Jumblebee website.

Successful bidders can collect their purchase from the Club from Monday 4th April. You will only be able to collect your piece once payment has been received.

 

If you have difficulty registering or have any queries, please contact sarah@chelseaartsclub.com

 

Happy Bidding!

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.

ALI, the artists' book.

 A quick look at ALI, an artists' book from the Icon series and a small chat about artists' books.

https://youtu.be/m0sx9BqsqU0  

 

The Flat Back, ethos of work.

Please follow the link for a shortish video on aspects of the Arts and Crafts working ethos I use.

Ethos of work with the Flat Back...

ALI... The Greatest.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Work in Progress. ALI... The Greatest, part of the Icons series.

An artist's book, text block and binding in hand dyed leather, collage, book cloth, stencil work and mixed media.

Please note there are other bookbinding/book art studios/binderies doing stuff, Icons, opinions..... 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.