I’m starting a Bookbinding for Beginners evening class this Thursday, and feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I’ve dabbled in making my own books, on a self-taught basis, with mixed success. My first attempts were actually not bad, and I still recall my feelings of surprise and awe when I held my first handmade book, a small hardback notebook.
Most of us probably don’t think too much about how books are made – we’re more interested in what’s inside them. I definitely took them very much for granted until I started learning about the art and craft of bookbinding. Anyway, subsequent attempts were not as successful, and I now have an impressive collection of lopsided, higgledy-piggledy books that hardly have a right-angle amongst them. So, I’m hoping that expert tuition will set me on the straight (literally) and narrow and teach me some insider tips for producing better work.
Bookbinding goes hand in hand with decorative papers which historically have been used for the outside covers and/or endpapers of books (the paper that lines the inside of the front cover). For a pattern and colour lover, the world of decorative papers is absolute heaven, and I collect them almost obsessively. I justify buying them by telling myself I’ll use them for some incredibly creative project or other but, when it comes down to it, I can hardly bear to cut up these beautiful, pristine sheets of gorgeousness. Especially to make wonky, lopsided books – hence me wanting to learn how to make them properly.
Featured today are the patterned papers of Esme Winter and creative partner Richard Sanderson who produce clean, contemporary designs that are very much their own, but cite the work of Enid Marx (who we wrote about here), Barbara Hepworth, The Curwen Press and Alvar Aalto as sources of inspiration.
Esme, who studied textiles and worked in bespoke design and interiors, and Richard, originally a designer and illustrator are also, they say:
“… motivated by the quality of simplicity. Using colour, pattern, grain and weave with their very British roots and a strong ethos for longevity, each collection is designed to last and to complement a lifestyle rooted in all things well-made and well thought out.”
As well as a range of papers that can be used for whatever you wish – wrapping paper, bookbinding, craft projects, or even just to frame and hang on your wall, there’s also a small selection of books and notecards. So for the creatively challenged or for those still honing their skills (like yours truly) we can buy beautiful books and cards ready made and not worry about the right angles.
Visit www.esmewinter.co.uk to see and learn more and to shop online.
Images: Esme Winter
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