The Edward James Bookbinding Competition

This annual competition aims to acknowledge, support, and promote emerging bookbinders within West Dean’s Books and Binding programme. It takes its inspiration from Edward James (1907-1984), who established West Dean College as an educational community for artists and makers. James was a prolific writer throughout his life and left an extensive collection of his writings, including over 20 published books of poetry and other works.

To mark the 40th year since his death, students on the FdA (Foundation Degree Arts) Books and Bindings programme have been invited to bind and make new covers for copies of his book, The Next Volume, 1939 (first edition 1932). There are multiple copies of his books in the College Collection and many, like these, remain unbound.

To read more please visit the West Dean website here.