Thank you for dropping in and Welcome to Telltale Bookbinding!
I have long been influenced and inspired by beautiful objects and art, by reading and music and by theatre and films. They creep into everything I do. I learnt how to make books at the British Library and it was such a revelation; it rekindled my love of making things and creative processes. I hadn’t realised what a ‘rabbit hole’ of a journey it would be. It awakened old artistic urges, researches into the history of book making and how it has influenced human development and helped me rediscover the pleasure I gain from sharing my work with others.
I have always painted, but recently I can say I have developed new skills with watercolour and gouache, with marbling (I use some of my papers in my books), paper making (also in some of my books) and illumination and gilding.
My artwork and goods are inspired by the beautiful books, writings, authors, illustrations and stunning illuminations I have come across. My growing collection includes over 40 handmade books, art prints, art work with 24 karat gold illumination and thoughtful gifts all linked to books, book art and literature.
THE BOOKS
I started book binding after attending a course at the British Library in London. Since then I have continued learning and am continuously developing the skills needed to make a variety of different types of books. I use a variety binding methods including Coptic, Pamphlet, Japanese Stab bindings and full casement books.
I always loved the Coptic books and the clever intricacies of the open spine, so I took to learning about the various stitches you can use to embellish. The more you investigate, the more you realise how many different ways of making books there are and how ingenious some book makers are.
THE PROCESS
Each book is unique and entirely handmade from start to finish. This process can take a number of days – from measuring and cutting pages, making covers, binding with waxed thread and then finally being pressed for up to eight hours.
Quality and sustainability are important to me, so wherever possible my materials are recycled or reused including handmade Indian cotton paper, reclaimed leather for the covers and more recently I have made my own paper from the off cuts in my studio.
I have been learning the art of Illumination - that is the applying of gold leaf to illustrations - from a master illuminator, Toni Watts. Well, this reawakened my love of painting and using watercolours and book illustrations and book covers.
I hope you will find something of interest here and enjoy my books as much as I've enjoyed making them and thank you for taking time to stop by.