Hamilton Exhibition Association of Book 29CU copper connections Crafts (NZ) Inc Copper - “from the earth to the wall" by Ann Bell Newsletter and Margaret Mecchia from Friday 4 to Monday 28 Management committee President: David Ashman (09) 360 4223 September - October 2009 September 2009. The preview and opening will be Vice President: Roger Boud (09) 521 3301 held at 5.30 pm on Thursday 3 September. It is free Secretary: Lynne Melton (09) 521 3032 to visitors. For further details contact ArtsPost 07 Treasurer: Malcolm Grant (09) 412 7258 Wayzgoose and 838 6928 [email protected] www.artspost.co.nz Assistant Treasurer: Ann Bell (07) 839 4044 Email: [email protected] Time: Open daily from 10 am to 4:30pm 112a Lake Rd, Hamilton 3204 Bookbinding competition Where: ArtsPost Galleries and Shop, 120 Victoria At the last ABC meeting at MOTAT in Auckland, John Sansom brought St Hamilton Committee members th An exhibition catalogue will sell for $25 through the Veronique Lautenslager (09) 407 3233 some books to show us. One was the set book he bound for the 10 ABC gallery. John Sansom (09) 473 6865 anniversary; Night Swimming by Emma Neale. I hadn’t seen John’s book Joe (Megan) Horton (09) 625 1777 for 10 years. I was and still am impressed by it. Con Anderson (09) 818 5055 New members Harry van der Vossen (09) 528 9858 Jennifer Simpson (09) 827 7120 Enter the Bookbinding Competition this year! A big welcome to our new members: Elizabeth Steiner (09) 817 6343 Alison Sheeran ...... Auckland Terrie Reddish (06) 870 8040 When entering for the first time, you do have to be brave, but it also Samantha Morrison ...... Thames means that you’re creating with a purpose. There’s always self doubt and Chapter and group liaison: the stress of deadlines, but despite that, it’s a neat feeling to see your Wellington: Brigid Grant (04) 387 3770 and Teresa Francis (04) 293 6631 work alongside others, all of whom share an interest in bookbinding. Dunedin: Kathleen McCarthy (03) 487-9450 Everyone started as a novice bookbinder once. So, look at the categories, Central Otago: Robyn van Reenan (03) 443 1810 choose one and go for it! Christchurch: Liz Davison (03) 355 0400 and Terry Park (03) 332 0851 Northland Veronique Lautenslager (09) 407 3233 This year the winners will be announced at the Wayzgoose , at Ferndale House, on 15 November. Resource Manager: John Sansom, email: [email protected] If you haven’t been to a Wayzgoose; the Christmas function shared with Ph (09) 473 6865, Fax (09) 473 6826 Association of Book Crafts the Printers and Calligraphers, try to make it this year. Meet new people, 4 Alnack Place, North Shore City 0630 (New Zealand) Incorporated check out their particular interests, talk about new and past projects, Do you want to learn to write beautifully, to fill your books with Correspondence: Founder and life member: John enjoy the good food and perhaps win a prize or two! There’s the sales calligraphy, flourishes and or decorative text? Sansom table and some free stuff too. The bookbinding entries will be displayed Secretary We offer a yearly membership with access to a comprehensive 69B St Johns Rd, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072 for everyone to appreciate and photographed for those unable to attend. library. In this issue: Parking is easy, it’s fairly central and the ambience is nice. If you need a Workshops with experienced Calligraphers Accounts: lift let us know. A quarterly newsletter Treasurer, Ph (09) 412 7258 Bookbinding
Classes fortnightly and much more. 87 Nelson Road, Taupaki RD 2, Henderson 0782 competition I always look at the new members listed in the newsletter and wonder Around the country Do you want more information or a contact person look on our Editor: who they are and which part of bookbinding they’re interested in. I very website: www.nzcalligraphers.co.nz , or write to: New Zealand Terrie Reddish, Ph (06) 877 8040 email: [email protected] ABC Calendar rarely get to meet them. Attending an ABC meeting every now and then, Calligraphers, P O Box 99-674, Newmarket, Auckland. P O Box 28 208, Havelock North 4157 means you get to talk to people with similar interests or see another Mini book swap members work. The speaker might inspire you to try something new, or Library news give you a greater appreciation of another binding method. Try one of the Book reviews Association of Book Crafts (NZ) Inc mini-workshops too. C/- 4 Alnack Place, Torbay Hamilton exhibition Jenny Simpson. North Shore City 0630, New Zealand Member profile A screwdriver in the handbag Fit for a prince Book binding Russian reindeer hide that laid on the seabed for more than 200 years equipment and was made into shoes for Price Charles. Only a handful of customers materials prepared to part with NZ$3,480 joined the heir to the British throne by owning what experts consider the ultimate footwear. Russian calf is like Websites excellent wine – the older it gets the better it becomes. John Sansom New members has a piece of this leather if you would like to see it for yourself.
ABC publishes this newsletter every On 10 December 17986, a strong gale bowing from the southwest two months to inform and forced two ships to seek shelter in Plymouth Sound. They were the communicate with Association members. The Editor advises readers Christian Hendrick from Rotterdam with a cargo of wheat and cheese for that articles, views and advertisements Barcelona, and the Danish brigantine Die Fraumetta Catharina von published are those of the contributors Flensburg, bound for the independent republic of Genoa, with a cargo of concerned and not necessarily those of ABC. hemp and leather from the port of St Petersburg in the Gulf of Finland.
12 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 The Nov - Dec newsletter material deadline is 24 October – Ed. The fifty-three ton Catharina broke free from her go and find the best tools for the best price – most book by hand using a variety of creative and anchor, struck Drake’s Island and was blown ABC Calendar likely involving haggling over the price. inventive styles of binding. across towards Mount before sinking in the Please send your event information to the Editor for darkness some where under Raven’s Cliffs on The next 18 months was spent experimenting with As a passion, my bookmaking is certainly the publication. the Cornish side of Plymouth Sound. All the crew ideas, which led me to advertise my books with creative challenge for which I feel I’ve been were able to get ashore, but the ship and its September 2009 Trademe and Craftworld at Westgate. I also preparing myself for many years. I still see myself cargo were lost for almost two hundred years. travelled to markets during that time in various as serving an apprenticeship at my Book Art Studios Newsletter parts of the country. Whilst packing up my books as there are so many areas of this fascinating art In 1973 divers from the Plymouth Sound branch 12th 10am – 4pm Spiral Path course – Leather onlays and and journals several times over is not the highlight yet to be explored but I will continue to have many of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) were inlays – course full of my life, the feedback and ideas I gain from more hours following my bliss whilst I’m doing it. searching for the wreck of the HMS Harwich 13th 10am – 4pm Spiral Path course – Leather onlays and customers has been invaluable. Slowly the business Liz Constable which had foundered in 1691. In shallow water, inlays – one place left has gained momentum, mostly due to many hours about five hundred yards from the shore they found an encrusted ship’s bell from the Catherina 26th of hard graft as well as listening to what people Space prevents publication of the full article in this 9.30am Live day, open bindery MOTAT were asking for and providing them with it. I newsletter. The next section contained Liz’s great von Flensburg. Further underwater investigation revealed part of her rigging and then her cargo – 27th Children’s holiday programme MOTAT realized at one point that I was also drawing on instructions (with many photos) on how to make a bundles of hides littering the sea bed, remarkably experiences from my past. family history book using the Coptic binding preserved after two centuries of immersion in October method. One of Liz’s tips however is worth black mud. It has since been estimated the 4th 10am – 4pm Spiral Path course – Headbands – one place Many years ago my parents owned and ran a including: left hundreds of such bundles are still to be found in hardware store. I worked in the shop for a short Create a set of templates to make it easier to the med. Their state of preservation improving 4 – 11th time when I arrived back in the UK after living and measure and re-create books. Mark clearly on each Children’s holiday programme MOTAT the deeper in the mud they are buried. working in Jamaica. One day someone came in to piece which way is up. Put the whole set in an 18th 9.30am Live day, open bindery MOTAT the shop and asked if we had a grill covering for a envelope when the project is complete. Ed The hides vary in size up to those of animals 23rd Bookbinding competition closes grid. I didn’t think I’d seen one so I went out to the almost as large as cattle, and are complete with 25th back of the shop to ask Dad if we had one head and tail and marked with the tanner’s 9.30am Mini Workshop – Bookbinding Techniques and Tools anywhere. As quick as a flash he whipped out a Emerson’s Bookbinder initials. Subsequent research has confirmed that for Beginners screw driver from his trouser pocket and dashed Roger Boud has recommended this interesting beer the leather is almost certainly reindeer and has 1.30pm ABC Meeting MOTAT into the backyard. He went over to the grid, that might appeal to readers: been treated by the traditional Russian method of November removed the grill covering, cleaned and presented Bookbinder tanning with willow bark and currying with birch Newsletter the grill to me to sell in about 30 seconds flat. I A wonderfully drinkable oil. don’t know which astonishes me more when I think interpretation of a classic 1st 9.30am Live day, open bindery MOTAT back to that moment; that he did that or that I just English ale. Bookbinder The hides have a cross hatched grain embossed 14th – 15th Children’s Christmas card making workshop Bitter is a blend of four malts by rollers and natural colours from light tan to a stood there and totally accepted it as normal. I can MOTAT practically hear his voice in my head now - "Never combined with two classic deep coffee brown. As salvors in possession the Nelson grown European divers were duty bound to trace the owner. The 15th let the customer leave the shop empty handed" hops (Fuggles and Riwaka). Wayzgoose That experience taught me well. I listen to what wreck lay on the seabed owned by the Duchy of The beer pours an attractive Cornwall and so the owner was the Duke of December people ask for and provide them with what they reddish brown, with a cream Cornwall, Prince Charles. He is also the president Nothing planned want. Sometimes I provide them with what they coloured head. Bookbinder of the BSAC! Prince Charles waived his rights to didn’t even know they wanted – Pop will be proud Bitter has a sweet, the leather and a few hides have been sold to January 2010 of me for that I’m sure. perfumey, malt and hop help with further excavation of the wreck. Nothing planned aroma with a soft, malty, Occasionally I get asked if I restore old books or if I fruit and vinous palate that Before being cut the leather is treated by can bind books using the traditional methods of is both full flavoured and prolonged washing in freshwater to remove the refreshing with a long, Colour newsletters bookbinding. I point out that the traditional form of gently drying finish. salt followed by a rubbing down with saddle soap bookbinding is an art form of its own. People train Members may be interested to learn that colour or a lanolin dressing. The leather retains its rich, for many years to achieve the extraordinary skills inserts will be used for special event coverage in the Serve 6 – 8° C. Style: musky odour and its characteristic variations in required for such precise work. bi monthly newsletter in future. Ordinary Bitter. ABV 3.7% colour. It has proved to be hard wearing and with care should serve its new owners as well as it So what’s the difference between traditional Try some: would have served its intended owners, the bookbinding and book art? As I understand it www.emersons.co.nz inhabitants of Genoa in 1786. Email request (thank you to the Association of Book Crafts) www.3hconsulting.com/SitesCatharina.htm When you sign off an email to John Sansom please traditional bookbinding is either the restoration of add your surname as it is not always apparent who old books using traditional materials and dyes and Carmencho Arregui it is from with just your first name. where possible, traditional tools or it is creating new books using traditional methods. Check out this Spanish born bookbinder who has lived in Italy since 1964 and teaches workshops on Arthur Johnson Book art is a just-about-anything-goes form of art crossed structured bindings, especially if you have where a piece still functions like a book; it will open ever wanted to make sample books. Her different, Most members will have received the colour image up and present a sequence of ideas, images and so stylish website has instructions and templates: of Arthur Johnson's lovely small books and the box on. These works are usually made by hand and are www.outofbinding.com they are contained in. This set is available for often (but not always) one-offs. A person who Her workshop contents can be found at: Chapters who wish to borrow and view them at creates handmade books in this way is considered www.professionelibro.it/schedacorso.aspx?lg to be a book artist. The book artist usually binds the =en&id=29&ts=co&clid=138
2 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 11 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 give me tools give me real ones." His first real tool seven months pregnant. I was absolutely horrified if closer quarters at a meeting or to show in an MOTAT with the installation of a showcase of work was a plane which his father bought for him. A not a little insulted when I went to buy paint and exhibition etc. in the library. Wah Chong plans to include a neighbour showed him how to take the blade out was instructed by the man in the shop to stir it demonstration of the hard cover on a paperback and sharpen it with an oil stone. My Dad (by now before I used it. I had years of watching Dad paint Obviously care needs to be taken in the packing workshop as the showcase. aged 8) did odd jobs to save up for his own oil and decorate our house. I looked the man in the and return to the library, but use them, Arthur stone and built a box to keep it in. He still has all of shop squarely in the eyes and asked him, “Do you would not have wanted them just sitting in the The first speaker was Graham Judd, President of the these things today. tell all your customers that? Or just the female library. Association of Hand Printers (AHP). He spoke of his ones?” John Sansom interest in letterpress work and outlined the As the father of 7 children (one boy and six girls) activities of the AHP. Every Sunday they have a few perhaps my Dad’s reasons for being in his workshop Often parents arriving to collect their children from Arthur W. Johnson, ATD, NDD was born in 1920. As members active in the printery at MOTAT, where as often as he was weren’t always work based. But the childcare centre were told I was chain-sawing well as holding an Art Teacher's Diploma and a they encourage the public to do some traditional he was, and still is, a master craftsman who can the hedge or up on the kitchen bench drilling. I National Diploma in Design he was also an printing. They plan to run some one-day workshops. turn his hand to just about any project. The only loved putting new handles on the cupboards! I Honorary Fellow of both the Institute of Craft thing he ever contracted another tradesman to do know it’s not uncommon for women to start nesting Education and Designer Bookbinders. Arthur held The second speaker was David Ashman, President in our house was the plastering although he was as they get closer to giving birth but with power teaching posts at Hornsey College of Art, of the ABC. David is a book conservator who capable of the task himself. It was that he approved tools? I was almost nine months pregnant when I Hammersmith School of Art, Willesden College of outlined guidelines commonly used for conserving very highly of Ernie the plasterer (a local legend) started using power tools and loved the projects Art and the London College of Printing. He also books. When considering an old book, the basic and his skills. However, he also gave another they enabled me to do. lectured extensively in England, Canada and New question is, 'Is this book a piece of ephemera, reason why tradesmen weren’t invited into our Zealand. His work has included calligraphy, fine or is it meant to endure?' If it is decided to house: with six girls around Dad didn’t think it was After a spell as a careers advisor, in 1999 I met the binding and antiquarian book restoration and his conserve it in the true sense of the word, care must likely that much work would get done! lady who was to set the wheels in motion for a third bindings can be found in many public and private be taken not to diminish its value or aesthetic career change. Ailie Snow was the friend of a friend collections, including the British Museum. His qualities, nor to damage or weaken it, nor to do We were never told we couldn’t do anything in our – a textile artist who also made handmade books. I excellent book, the Manual of Bookbinding by anything irreversible to it. He stressed that all family, just supported to work out ‘how to’ when recognized instantly a creative outlet that fascinated Thames & Hudson is considered as one of the materials used in book conservation should be someone had an idea for a project. After my me. foremost reference works for bookbinders and is bought from reputable suppliers. Members will be youngest sister asked for a metal detector for her recommended as essential reading by many interested to learn that pH pens are available to test sixth birthday (and was duly provided with one) my After attending a couple of her workshops I started teachers of bookbinding. He has written two other the pH of paper. imagination went into overdrive. After spotting a playing around with some ideas and loved the fact books which were also published by Thames & Our next meeting is on 25 October at 1.30 pm, gap in the market for bead curtains when I was 12 that working with handmade books brought me Hudson, A Practical Guide to Bookbinding and Book when the speaker will be John Coley and the mini- years old, I confidently announced over dinner one back in touch with a range of tools – some of them Repair and Conservation and Lettering on Books, workshop at 9.30 am is Philadelphia repair by Peter night I was going to make and sell them. As new ones such as an awl – a bookbinder’s right published by Puiri Press, New Zealand. For more Goodwin who can be contacted for more details at: announcements of this nature were not uncommon hand tool. It took me weeks to make my first book information, check out J Hewit and Sons website: [email protected] in our family a discussion then followed as to the which I then gave away as a gift. www.hewit.com/sd9-john.htm best way to approach this new and exciting project. Perhaps the friend who received it could see Mum took me to jumble sales to gather up old something I couldn’t, because he said he’d keep it Christchurch Chapter necklaces for the beads and Dad duly chopped up as his retirement fund to sell when I became really Around the country Our June meeting took the form of a celebratory the bamboo on the bandsaw. I spent many hours famous. I think he was just being kind. lunch to mark the 20th Birthday of the ABC. As well ABC has both Chapters and Groups around the pushing the foamy stuff out of the bamboo so that I as current members, we contacted past members country. To become a Chapter (and receive more could thread it, and then dismantling the necklaces My daughter leaving home was another catalyst. I too and all enjoyed a very pleasant few hours. support from ABC) a group needs to conform to the to add the beads. My first order was a black and had given just about everyone I knew a book for Hilary had prepared a photo board of past activities ABC Bylaw which essentially requires: white bead curtain. I got a taste for creative their birthdays three times over so it made sense to and this provoked many memories and comments. One contact person for the group adventures after that and spent many years start selling them. I was already well established in Marie made a great job of icing the birthday cake, experimenting with various medias and ideas. the garage with a variety of tables from inorganic All members to be financial ABC members, and and the attached photo shows Hilary Stephenson, collections serving as work benches to create on. I Chapters to abide by the Rules and Bylaws. one of the founder members of the Christchurch A family holiday to New Zealand in 1979 was to be called on the expertise of another sheddie (my But this doesn’t mean that you cannot set up a local Chapter cutting the cake while Sandy Corbett and another major turning point in my life. It was the landlord Don) who built and installed new benches ‘Group’ for sharing ideas, arranging tutoring and Judy Newbury look on. first time for Mum, Dad and the three youngest girls all round the garage. I got to work when he finished buying goods through ABC at cheaper prices, to travel on a plane. I think Dad set a new world and painted all the benches and walls. A working providing at least one group member is also an ABC record for setting off the metal detector the most studio was born. member. times. He was not at all pleased at having to empty his pockets and hand over the large number of tools When my parents were visiting us from the UK at Havelock North Group? he always had in them. Although I was only 14 I Christmas two years ago, they asked the three of us knew one day I would return to New Zealand and [by now my two younger sisters had also made NZ Anyone interested in joining a Havelock North make it my home. I announced this on my arrival their home] what we’d like as Christmas presents. Group please contact Julz Henderson, phone back in the UK (to anyone who would listen) and as The answers were: a Dremel (me), a workbench (Jo (06) 876 0159, [email protected] . good as my word I returned eight years later. the next sister down) and a cordless drill (Pauline of the metal detector fame). My mother rolled her eyes After some time as a qualified early childhood in despair and said: “Can’t I have at least ONE Auckland Chapter teacher, at 24 I took on the challenge of buying the feminine daughter?” It became apparent in that 18 members attended the meeting on 2 August in early childhood centre where I worked. I painted moment that the fascination with tools wasn’t just the ABC bindery at MOTAT. MOTAT has recently the whole centre almost single-handedly over the mine. Dad of course thought this was just "bloody acquired a Museum Experiences Co-ordinator, summer holidays even though by this time I was great" and set off to do what he loves to do best: which bodes well. ABC has raised its profile at
10 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 3 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 Our July meeting was a lesson in Kiwi ingenuity. What is your favourite quote? www.burnishedbook.com/pages_site/support_pages Derek demonstrated the construction of a simple “Not understood we gather false impressions and /belgian_bound.html block (with a multitude of uses) made from last hug them closer as years go by, till fortunes seem www.rochaink.com/sketchbooks.html year's yellow or white page phone directory. He to us transgressions and so men rise and fall and Made by http://sandiegobookarts.com/Workshops.htm then produced a large array of equipment adapted Kaye die, NOT UNDERSTOOD”. from tools designed for other uses or even broken http://larsh.ca/category/book-binding/ Stanton for What is your occupation? ones. A small screwdriver past its use by date made www.yokavandyk.com/bookarts.html Ann Retired Jack-of-all-trades. a great awl when ground to a point. There was great discussion on where to source materials and hardware. As always we all had an enjoyable Recycle - reuse morning. Secret Belgium Liz Davison Check out what this bookbinder does with old cereal Bindings boxes: Made by http://myhandboundbooks.blogspot.com/20 DVDs Dale- 08/07/recycled-books-with-slip-case-and- Cormack more.html Members who have had a problem with the sound Pearson for on some DVDs should contact John Sansom for a Rob possible solution. The following article has been reprinted with kind permission from The Shed magazine.
Mini Book Swap A screwdriver in The 11 participants that took part in the Mini Book swap in June all enjoyed themselves immensely. So the handbag we have collectively decided to embark on another Dale’s book There was a defining moment in my late teens. I journey of mini book making. The theme this time for Rob was out with a group of people and someone asked, around is Christmas, so think about what Christmas “Has anyone got a screwdriver?” As I reached into means to you and include a favourite carol or Secret Belgium Bindings made at the MINI workshop in Auckland my handbag I said, “Do you want a crosshead or a quote. on 2 August flathead?” I looked up to see a group of astonished Elizabeth Steiner teaches the Hedi Kyle method of faces. That’s when I realized that not all handbags Once again, the ideas box is open with just a few making secret Belgian bindings as it gives a good were created equally!! Or to be more precise, not all guide lines to keep mini book making easy and result. There are other methods for this binding. young women had the same fascination with tools quick: as I did! Use Christmas colours Secret Belgian Binding websites: Make a mini book roughly 2 inches in size Inside http://users.stargate.net/~dearsam/bookarts/ When our family was growing up in a big beautiful Have white or coloured pages Dale’s book www.mootepoints.com/gallery6.html old Victorian house in Manchester England, it was the norm to have access to a workshop full of Use any sort of cover material www.cailun.info/index.php?/archives/319-Secret- Belgian-Binding.html fascinating machinery and tools. My Dad’s ‘shed’ Choose your preferred style of stitching was in the cellar. It was an oddly comforting sound http://cailun.info/index.php?/plugin/tag/secret+belg Swap 1 book with 1 other person hearing the sound of the circular saw coming up ian+binding Book completion date is 30 October. through the floorboards. I only need to smell www.flickr.com/photos/spartasoap/2830169177/ sawdust to find myself instantly transported back to We'd love to hear from more ABC members http://ashevillebookgirl.blogspot.com/2007/05/secre those childhood days. Dad’s passion was to maintain interested in being part of this next Mini Book Made by t-belgian-binding.html the upkeep of this large family home. He went Swap. Wouldn't it be great to have a huge display Rob Hunt http://myhandboundbooks.blogspot.com/2007/07/s through a variety of phases over the years from for the Wayzgoose on Sunday 15 November? Please for Dale ecret-belgian-binding.html restoring the family home to its Victorian days email me if you are interested by the 30 September. (which meant high ceilings) to a modern look (which Rob Hunt http://uberartshop.blogspot.com/2009/05/secret- meant lowering the ceilings). One of the most belgian-binding.html Mini book creations to tempt you to join in….. modern (and very unique to Manchester) additions www.flickr.com/photos/myhandboundbooks/156383 to the house was the sun lounge built to 1759/ accommodate a spa pool. The wooden structure for http://richmadethis.wordpress.com/ it was all was built downstairs in the cellar, and then carried up the stone steps to be assembled in the Made by Gill www.teeshaslandofodd.com/pamsussman/belgian.h garage by a band of willing helpers. Of course, we Made by Carlsson for tml couldn’t use it as much as the Kiwi’s because in Ann Bell for Carmen http://myhandboundbooks.blogspot.com/2007/11/s Kaye winter the pipes would freeze but it was the talk of ecret-belgian-binding-for-uwe.html the neighbourhood. http://binding2point0.wordpress.com/gallery/other- works/secret-belgian-binding/ My Dad’s interest in tools started very young. At age 7 he was given pretend tools which he threw away www.cbbag.ca/AB08Web/AB08fb.html in disgust. He told his parents, "If you’re going to
4 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 9 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 are available and may like to share this knowledge 1947 on the SS Atlantis and arrived in Wellington 9 to help other members. A note to the Newsletter February 1948. After being billeted at Fort Dorset in Editor would be appreciated. Seatoun, I was then put to work at the Government Hillary Printing Office where I stayed for 2.5 years. From Gill Barnes’ there Whitcomb & Toombs employed me for a Carlsson’s book for More marbling… further 4.5 years, after which I and another book for Lyall Carmen In a recent Guild of Book Workers newsletter Iris bookbinder started our own company called Bookbinding Specialists. This business carried on Nivens, the guru on marbling, recommends using 80lb Dick Blick Sulphite paper. This paper is until 1982 when I retired, my partner having retired available in 50lb (74gsm), 60lb (98gsm) and 80lb some years earlier. (124gsm) weights and a variety of packages, see: How to….. www.dickblick.com/products/blick-white- What do you most enjoy about being an ABC Back fabric for use as a book cloth sulphite-drawing-paper/ member? Equipment: There is even a marble instruction sheet: The association with other members. Glenda Sheet of glass/ perspex/ aquapanel or similar hard Lette’s book http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/pdfs/marbl How would you describe your skills and smooth, shiny surface for Rob e_paper.pdf experience as a book binder? Waterproof bench top or second sheet Mist spray bottle filled with tap water Iris also talks about high quality ink jet Chinecole How do I describe my skills? Without hesitation I Paste (mixed to a consistency of pouring cream) (this could be a spelling mistake) paper from consider myself a master craftsman. Paste brush Atlantic Papers: Where could readers see examples of your Length of wooden dowelling www.atlanticpapers.com/products.html work?
For many years we were the only bookbinders to Method: She notes that it is expensive but needs no alum the Victoria University Library in Wellington from Rob Hunt’s 1. Spread fabric, right side down, on the glass and but must be marbled on the right side. Only the spray with water until wet enough to cling to coated side holds the paint and the only way to tell 1956 to 59. We also provided services to the book for the glass. Stretch gently to make sure it is quite which side that is, is to see which sides sticks to Supreme Court Library and Wellington Hospital Glenda Library. flat with no bubbles under it and the warp and your tongue! weft are pulled straight. This is similar to
relaxing paper. We bound a number of publications for AH Reed, one (the name eludes me) was about the journeys 2. Coat the fabric with think paste. of James Cook. The one I most am proud of is 3. Have the paper cut a little larger than the fabric, Portraits of a Maori. This is an A3 size production in lay flat on the bench of second sheet of glass Profile half maroon morocco. 750 copies were produced. Wendy and paste out with the thin paste. The original paintings are by George French Angas Vallers’ 4. Lift paper using the dowelling to keep it from This month: and are held by the Adelaide Library. A copy of the book for puckering. Lay onto the fabric, paste side down, Reg Platt of Kapiti books are held at all major libraries including our Judy patting down with fingers to smooth and own here in the Wellington National Library. remove bubbles. Using the dowelling the paper can be lifted off a little to remove lumps of Can you tell us about your worst book/ paste, bubbles or wrinkles. It also makes a binding experience? useful rolling pin to smooth the paper when it is I can recall only one serious disaster and that was a all in place and squeeze out excess paste. small book with a calf spine that Jonathon Bennet 5. Leave a until completely dry then carefully peel asked me to repair. Normally I lift off the old leather Judy off and use. with a knife, on this occasion the leather was so thin Newbury’s I decided to soak it off by steaming. The result was book for Note: a disaster as the leather just shrank away for which Wendy Fabric – any fabric can be used but the best result I had to apologise. are achieved with natural fibres like silk and cotton. Synthetics are far less predictable; they may back What other interests and hobbies do you well but not work well as a book covering. have? My other interests are woodturning, I belong to the Paper grain – ensure that the paper grain and How long have you been an ABC member? Kapiti Woodworkers Guild, and I am also their fabric pattern/ grain are running in the correct Over 10 years. newsletter editor. My other hobby is computers; I directions for the book binding. Lyall I joined the printing industry in 1936 as a belong to Kapiti Seniornet and for the past 7 years Clarke’s bookbinding apprentice at the South Yorkshire have been teaching ‘Creative Graphics’ using Paint Paste – if paste shows through the dry fabric it will book for Shop Pro software. In February 2010 I am giving either flake off when the finished covering is being Times, the apprenticeship was 7 years. In 1941 I Hillary joined the RAF during the 2nd world war and was an exhibition in the Kapiti Library to show what can handled during book attachment or it can be demobbed in 1946 and returned to my old firm be achieved by the amateur using a computer to removed carefully with an almost dry sponge. where I was employed as a qualified tradesman. In create art, ie paintings and more. Sheila Coltman
1947, I saw an advertisement for immigrants to What is your favourite book? If you have any queries you can contact Sheila
South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. I I can’t remember, I read a lot of books! phone (09) 411 7568. chose the latter. I left with my fiancé 27 December
8 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 5 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 Book no. 342 Specimens of Metal Type by Unfortunately there are no close up pictures to help Websites Tara McLeod. Worth looking at just for the you learn the secrets of it's construction. One Louisiana paper backed rayon book cloth with superb craftsmanship, in design, printing and chapter shows the six bindings that were made by a wipe clean acrylic coating, suitable for foil and Marking Time paper selection. invited binders for the books short listed for the blind embossing screen or litho printing. If you An internationally touring juried exhibition of fine Man Booker Prize for Fiction. They are all leather haven't seen the colour samples you are missing a press, fine binding and artists' books curated by the Book no. 340 The Riscatype Catalogue of bindings showing in colour the designs that give a treat. 1.32 metres in width in seven colours. Guild of Book Workers on display 15 May – 15 Popular Type Faces clue to the story within. Expensive but worth it...... $24.65/ metre August 2009: Book no. 343 Stitches & Sewings for Half metre minimum. http://mnbookarts.org/events/currentMCBA Bookbinding Structures donated by Veronique There are workshop notes on Stub Bindings, but the exhibits.html Laughtenslager ones in Bound and Lettered are better. The list of VCR tapes on bookbinding contents are: Flora Ginn- ‘My work is my Passion’, The Art of the Book '08 , a juried exhibition of Book no. 344 Guild of Book Workers ‘Marking Outdated technology BUT!! The Bodleian Library - Collections and Conservation members' work, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Time’, a journal of the exhibits in their 2009- We have some 80 video tapes in our library which - Repair and Rebinding, Jenni Grey - Design Basics, the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild. In 2011 travelling exhibition. have mainly been replaced with DVDs. We are Carmencho Arregui - Sample Books, Fr Edgard 1988, CBBAG held its first exhibition and since then offering any that might be of interest firstly to Guild of Bookworkers Newsletter August 2009 Claes - In Conversation, Lori Sauer - Stub bindings, has held one every five years. With each exhibition Chapters and then to individual members. Check carries a useful article by Pamela Barrios "Paring Image Making on Leather, followed by winning the quality and variety of the work has grown them out in the Library Holdings list and let the Onlay Leather with a Paring Machine". If you would bindings for several competitions. stronger and the number of entries has increased: Librarian know of your interest. Cost is postage like a hard copy of this let the Librarian know. www.cbbag.ca/AB08Web/AB08thumbs.html only.
John Sansom Did you know that we have in the library both hard Ever wondered what to do with that old set of copy and available on line an index of all the ABC encyclopedias? Wonder no more: newsletters by subject? This can be very useful if False floor box www.designswan.com/archives/amazing- you are looking for something specific. Gabrielle Fox, trained in England, is a leading expert sculptural-book-art.html and artisan in the binding, conservation and restoration of fine books. Her true passion and forte Members who took part in Ed Hutchins workshops is miniature books, and beyond her work in will be interested to know he part curated an artist Book reviews conservation and restoration, she finds her creative book exhibition in June; Beyond Words: outlet in designing and producing unique bindings BookFest 2009 . Photos can be viewed on the and boxes for miniature letterpress books. For more website: information check out: http://bookfest.com// www.handbookbinders.org/Classes.php
There are some beautiful, inspiring books by a range of artists, mainly from the USA but also some entries from Australia. Well worth a peep!
Véronique Lautenslager Some articles show amazing design and skill and Abbey Bookbindery: others make you want to start working immediately. www.bookbinders.co.uk Elizabeth Steiner
Shepherds Bookbinders: I became aware of Reg Platt when I was sent an www.bookbinding.co.uk/ article on him entitled ‘Bookbinder sends out final invoice’. The article covered some of his very If you had trouble getting the website for The interesting life as a bookbinder, so I contacted him Bone Folder try this, thanks to the efforts of one Bound and Lettered Volume 7, to ask if he would agree to be our profiled member of our members: in this newsletter. Reg sent some more wonderful http://www.archive.org/details/TheBonefold number 4 This periodical published by John Neal, USA, has a information (and photos) on his life and thoughts. erEjournalForTheBookbinderAndBookArtist Gabrielle’s workshop - Making and designing number of very clear colour photos of creative How many 87 year olds do you know who list their The normal website link has since been repaired: miniature bindings involves using a design or image bindings that one could easily work from. There are hobbies as ‘computers’? Unfortunately I don’t have http://www.philobiblon.com/bonefolder/vol that can be wrapped from the front flyleaf and all two books included that are also in The New space to everything here, but this is just a sample 5no2contents.htm around to the back flyleaf and the resulting book Bookbinder journal, but this has better and more until the next newsletter. Ed. can be placed in a box with a false floor that raises illustrations in each case. The last four pages are the book for removal without damaging the binding. devoted to tempting mail order books and
Library news calligraphy materials. Equipment & Book no. 338 Bound & Lettered Vol. 7 no.4 Marbling materials Book no. 339 The New Bookbinder Vol. 29 The New Bookbinder Volume 29 2009 materials 2009 Journal of Designer Bookbinders This Journal has a wonderful cover showing the Many members have seen the Home Study cover of the book that won the 2009 Designer We have a small stock of the Japanese Screw Marbling Workshop and then have discovered that Book no. 341 Specimens of Wood Type. Bookbinders International Competition in association Punches with six bits from 1.00 mm up to and the papers, paints and other materials mentioned Designed and printed by Typographer Tara with the Bodleian Library. It is a random mosaic of including 5mm ...... $70 plus postage are not available in New Zealand. McLeod of the Pear Tree Press. One of a limited woods of different colours and grains, with a spine edition. piece that is attached in a piano hinge style. Linen thread in hanks - whitey/brown, thicker However those who have been marbling for some than the 18/6 cord ...... $2.00 per hank time have no doubt experimented with materials that
6 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009 7 ABC Newsletter 5 September - October 2009