esigner ookbinders d b contemporary book arts DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS NEWSLETTER NO 184 WINTER 2018 02 introduction Find out more at: www.designerbookbinders.org.uk DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS NEWSLETTER NO 184 WINTER 2018 Editorial Winter Spotlight 2018 Welcome to the winter edition of the newsletter. Our new editor, Troy Moore, has masterminded (no pressure) this issue, the second in our new digital format. He has some Firstly, I would like to thank Talitha for all her hard work on new plans and ideas to incorporate and I’m sure will bring us the newsletter, it is evident from your editorial piece in the all we need to know about what’s going on in the autumn edition you’re passionate about your work and while bookbinding world. you claim you are “really not a bookbinder,” you will be forever associated with Designer Bookbinders. Tributes to Faith Shannon, who died in August, feature here. I write this having just heard of the death of Maureen Duke Good luck working on your accreditation and I look forward whose life is also honoured. to speaking with you again. ‘Thank You’ Tal. I had very little contact with Faith. Living in Scotland made it I’d also like to thank Rachel Ward-Sale for her notice in the difficult for her to attend DB meetings but her influence was autumn newsletter regarding Faith Shannon. The single always around and she never stopped supporting new hardest thing for me taking over the editorial role was binders and the work of DB. reading the announcement on social media that Faith had died. It was clear the impact Faith had within our craft and Maureen and I both taught at Urchfont Manor in Wiltshire. We on her students. were both there for 16 years, I started in 1996 and Maureen a year later. She took most of the general binding subjects and Rachel contacted me shortly after, asking “Do you think I did classes in more alternative approaches. I left in 2011 to you could put something about Faith in the newsletter? found BINDING re:DEFINED and Maureen left in 2012 when She influenced so many people with her work and it would Wiltshire Council decided to sell the Manor. Maureen shifted be nice to have a tribute to her.” That was the 2nd hardest the equipment from Wiltshire to Dillington House in thing to read, I didn’t have a clue where to begin. Somerset, organised a new set of tutors, and Dillington now carries on offering a solid grounding in binding. Luckily for me Rachel and Lori are very supportive and I was tasked with contacting those who knew Faith. You probably Both of these women have left lasting legacies, through their can guess by now, that was the 3rd hardest thing to happen. lifelong work and through their students. Binding is richer for I need not fear, everyone I contacted was extremely helpful, having them and all of us have benefitted, if not directly then I had suggestions galore, emails, letters and photographs by proxy through one of their students. dropping through the letterbox. Thank you to those who contributed, and I hope you find inspiration in their words. On a different note – the Annual Competition will have happened by the time of reading. I was again able, in In this edition we have contributions ‘from afar’ and others capacity of President, to attend the judging day. It’s always a ‘closer to home’. Including the opening Joint Workshop of pleasure to go, to see the entries and be privy to the the season with Tracey Rowledge, as well as calls for entries/ discussion of the judges. Each book is looked at in depth and competitions and next years’ courses, masterclasses and everyone makes sure that all aspects particular to a binding other dates for your diary. are noted. Nothing is overlooked and choices are not easy. Thank you to everyone who entered – we could not carry on If you have a workshop, course or an upcoming exhibition of this important event without your participation. interest, or other pieces of news and information relevant to our members, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Cold weather has set in and daylight is curtailed but it’s the perfect time to hunker down in your workspace and make [email protected] new work. As always, Enjoy the process, Troy Moore Lori On the cover A collage of the work of Ivor Robinson notices 03 Find out more at: www.designerbookbinders.org.uk DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS NEWSLETTER NO 184 WINTER 2018 Maureen Duke BEM 1928 - 2018 “It is with great sadness that Designer Bookbinders has to report the death of Maureen Duke. Maureen was a skilled practitioner and inspirational teacher of the crafts of Bookbinding, Conservation and Restoration for 70 years. Maureen was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM), in the Queen’s 2017 New Year Honours List, for life-long service to the teaching and propagation of the crafts of Bookbinding, Conservation and Restoration. She was also elected as Chair, President and one of the two Patrons of the Society of Bookbinders. She had a profound influence on students and fellow craftsmen and women across the UK and around the world and continuously motivated the members of the SoB with energy, commitment and high distinction She commanded the deepest respect for the vigour and enthusiasm with which she preserved, nurtured and interpreted her crafts for several generations of bookbinders and craftsmen.” Hannah Brown Fellows Nicky Oliver, Glenn Bartley and Mark Cockram, who knew Maureen have kindly offered to put together a few words, which I am sure you will find a colourful and interesting read. Ed. Upcoming Vacancy Designer Bookbinders is currently looking for someone to take over the organisation of the Joint Designer Bookbinders/ Society of Bookbinders Workshops. Season 15 2018/19 is currently underway and the planning for season 16 2019/20 is nearing completion. The candidate chosen for Designer Bookbinders would need good organisational skills and be able to work with their SoB partner. A good understanding of both societies, and the needs of its members would be good, however a knowledge of previous workshops is not necessary, as much information as possible will be provided. Design skills and the ability to source materials would be good, but again are not necessary, unless you’re confident you want to take that role on also. Current designs and templates exist and a Photoshop designer could explain what is required in order to produce the flyer. Guidance and advice will be given at every point, ensuring a smooth handover, allowing as much time needed to complete the future seasons’ programmes... If you would like more information or wish to express interest please email [email protected] Newsletter Deadlines 2019 Meeting Dates Spring Edition 1st February 2019 Saturday 19th January 2019 Designer Bookbinders Publications Ltd. Summer Edition 1st May 2019 Executive Committee Autumn Edition 1st August 2019 Saturday 23rd February 2019 Applications: Fellows and Licentiates Winter Edition 1st November 2019 Saturday 06th April 2019 Designer Bookbinders Publications Ltd. Executive Committee AGM/Spring Meeting 04 notices Find out more at: www.designerbookbinders.org.uk DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS NEWSLETTER NO 184 WINTER 2018 Application to become a Fellow or Licentiate Keeping control of exhibitions and activities is a major area of the Committee’s work, as well as responsibility for developing Applications to become a Fellow or Licentiate of Designer the work and services of the Society. Bookbinders will be considered at the next Fellows’ meeting on Saturday 23 February 2019. The work of the Executive Committee is central to the success and vitality of Designer Bookbinders, and being part of it is Fellows of Designer Bookbinders are elected on submission varied and interesting. of their work and are considered to have achieved the highest standards in both design and technique. Fellows are the The closing date for nominations is Saturday 19 January 2019. exhibiting members of the Society. Should there be a greater number of nominees than seats, ballot papers will be sent out with the Spring Newsletter. Licentiates are elected on the basis that their submitted work displays the potential in design and technique for them to The elections will be held in April 2019. be considered as candidates for Fellowship within a period of seven years. They also have the opportunity for their If you are interested in standing as a member of the Executive work to be shown in the Society’s exhibitions. DB is keen to Committee and would like further information please contact encourage new talent and each Licentiate has two Fellows the Secretary. appointed as mentors to help develop their design and technical skills to the highest possible standard. Nominations should be sent to: To apply you must be a practising bookbinder either born or Wendy Hood, The Secretary, Designer Bookbinders, resident in the UK, or have practised in the UK for at least five 24 Junction Road, Bath, Somerset, BA2 3NH. years for Fellowship and three years for Licentiateship and be resident in the UK when you apply. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01225 342793 If you are thinking of applying you may find it helpful to talk to a Fellow about your work. London Craft Week Applications for Fellowship and Licentiateship should be 7th -12th May 2019 received by the Secretary by Saturday 26th January 2019 (four weeks prior to the applications meeting). We are pleased to announce that following previous successful collaborations, Designer Bookbinders will be For more information and details on how to apply please ask teaming up with London Craft Week in early May 2019.