Special Projects
Architecture and Bookbinding
This is a unique collection of boards designed and made by Fellows and Licentiates of Designer Bookbinders on the theme of architecture. Twenty-nine prominent contemporary binders responded with enthusiasm to Lester Capon’s suggestion for the production of this special project and collectively created a wonderful snapshot of the richly diverse approaches to modern bookbinding in the early 21st century. Hannah Brown helped with the project and the boards were housed in bespoke boxes made by Lester Capon and Stuart Brockman.
Architecture is a relevant and suitable subject for developing design ideas in bookbinding. If one looks at the history of both disciplines there are many parallels between them. Throughout the centuries the shapes and patterns of decorative elements in buildings and on books have been very similar. The ornamentation on capitals of Corinthian and Ionic columns, the fleurons and urns on Georgian fireplaces, the arabesques in Moorish architecture can all be found on bindings by Claude de Piques, Jean Picard, Samuel Mearne, et al. Art Nouveau bindings by craftsmen such as Georges Crette and Marius Michel fit exactly with Paris Metro stations. In more modern times the radical notion of placing the services, water pipes, lifts, etc. on the outside of the building is reflected in the exposed structures and spines which many binders make great use of.
The boards illustrated here show the great variety of approaches that contemporary binders have to their work. Differences in technique and choice of materials determine the contrasting imagery which makes this collection so interesting, inspiring and enjoyable. Some binders have chosen to represent specific buildings. Others have taken details of buildings, and some have improvised more generally on architectural design. With materials such as leather, vellum and paper, wood, textiles and acrylic as well as actual artefacts, each board offers up a new perspective on the original brief.
The boards are now in a private collection.
Boards photographed by Nicholas Jones of The Photo Studio, Tewkesbury.
