What’s in a name? Or more aptly, what’s in a title? In spine titling there are a range of different issues, aesthetics, and techniques the hand bookbinder considers before beginning work. Is the spine flat or rounded? Paneled? Will the titling work be done on or off-book? A range of technologies–from hand tools to machine stamping to screening–even computer-aided design–are available to the binder. And an even broader range of materials can be brought to bear: leather, silk, paper, foils, gold leaf. All this is in the service of a spine which will both identify and create beauty.
Binder Alice Vaughan will discuss the intersection of materials, technique, and art in spine treatments.
Missed the Lecture? No problem, you can access a recording of the lecture.
Alice Vaughan is the owner and principle binder at Hudson River Bindery. She has been at the bench since the early 70’s when she started working at Ex-Libris in London, making tea and dodging the pressmen. Vaughan has worked in library and trade binders, as well as private print binderies. She has taught privately on both coasts and in Art Schools, Craft Schools and Universities. A member of the Guild of BookWorkers since the early 90s, she is also a member of the Hand Bookbinders of California and the Society of Bookbinders. She still takes classes.