BIO
Originally from Lithuania, Ruta came to the UK in 2017 to study Fine Art Printmaking at The University of Brighton and graduated in 2020.
She was trained in bookbinding at Bookbinders of Lewes, and since 2022 carries on working there part time. After relocating from Brighton to London, she also works part time at Wyvern Bindery since 2023. On a daily basis she happily undertakes all kinds of bookbinding work, from case binding and box making to re-backs. And in her spare time she works on design bindings in her studio in East London.
In the 2022 SoB Competition she was awarded the Best Young Newcomer award and in the 2023 DB UK Competition she was awarded Chelsea Bindery Forwarding Prize. Ruta received the QEST Emerging Maker Scholarship in 2024 for training in fine binding with Rachel Ward-Sale.
Her love for printmaking has not faded away just yet. She incorporates print, especially stone lithography and relief, in her work. Not only visual outcome but also the way of thinking as a printmaker to create the designs.
Ruta was elected Licentiate in 2025.
‘Names, Words, Witch’s Symbols. 4 x (4+4) x 4 = Young Estonian Poetry’
The Estonian Association of Designer Bookbinders and Estonian Literature Center.
Published in Talin, 2015
214mm x 178mm x 27mm
Bound in 2024
This is a full leather binding with laced-in boards. Covered in black Harmatan leather with multicolour back-pared onlay. This book has hand sewn silk endbands, graphite edge colouring, suede doublures and the endpapers are original stone lithographs.
The idea for the design lies within the history of Estonia which resonates in parallel to my own country, Lithuania, both were under the occupation until late 20th century. Claiming independence, regaining the freedom to express yourself. The literature and arts in general were a light in the darkness, the oppression that has been for years.
‘Love Poems’
Edited by Imtiaz Dharker
Illustrated by Mikki Lee
Published by The Folio Society
251mm x 174mm x 38mm
Bound in 2023
The flowingness and pattern that appear in the illustrations and Art Nouveau style are core inspirations for this design.
A full leather double board binding in Harmatan goatskin. Boards are covered in dyed and impressed leather with multicoloured onlays, spine is dyed fair goat. This book has hand sewn silk endbands. The endpapers are stone lithographs.
This book was awarded with The Chelsea Bindery Forwarding Prize.
‘The Mare’s Tale’
Poems by Catriona Urquhart
Illustrated by Clive Hicks-Jenkins
Published by The Old Stile Press
294mm x 156mm x 18mm
Bound in 2025
Design is based on my interpretation of the portrayal of Mari Lwyd in both poems and illustrations. The cover acts as a cloak, which gives Mari Lwyd a form and the endpapers mimic the head.
This is a full linen attachment, full leather panel binding. Cover is impressed and sanded leather. The book has leather endbands. The endpapers are constructed from the original stone lithographs and dyed paper. Doublures are relief prints on suede.
GET IN TOUCH
Email: rutapress.books@gmail.com
Instagram: @ruta.press
Accepts commissions: Yes
