Time Honored Techniques: Bookbinding Manuals from 1650-1880
“Time Honored Techniques: Bookbinding Manuals from 1650-1880”, an exhibition of bookbinding manuals from the museum’s collection, reflecting changes in culture and technology, is open at the ABM through January 15, 2015. Exhibition curator Tom Conroy reflects on the use and purpose of the manuals.
The Ruler, a Bookbinders Poem
The Ruler by Samuel O. Spaeth Down by dot Hiccough ruling machine Der bindery ruler stands. Mit six days’ viskers on his face Und ink all ofer his hands.
How Would They Look if They Weren’t Well Bound? – A Bookbinders Song
The Bookbinder’s Song “Be man’s peculiar work his sole delight.”–Minstrel, Book 1 Air: “Johnny Lump’s Visit to Somerset House” Ere Printing began the dark ages to mend, On volumes of parchment their writings were penned. Now fine printed books in abundance are found, But how would they look if they
the Kathleen V. Roberts Collection of Decorated Publishers Bindings comes to the ABM!
The American Bookbinders Museum is thrilled to announce that we are the new (permanent) home of the Kathleen V. Roberts Collection of Decorated Publishers’ Bindings. Described by Rachel Jones of the publication Seven Days as “an expertly curated selection of bindings made by hand between 1830 and the 1950s”, this
German Bookbinders Song of 1842
Who can be more contented, With life as ‘tis presented To us who bind the books? Our work is full of pleasures, We bind the richest treasures, And beautify their looks. CHORUS: Hallo, Halli, Hallo, Halli, The Binder’s life for me!
The Bookbinder’s Song
When bookbinders got together in the 18th and 19th century, they talked shop over a pot of ale, or several pots of ale. Sometimes songs resulted, often full of puns on bookbinding terminology, and always celebrating the craft that elevated printed words into something “improved.” Later, the songs were more likely
Bookbinding with the Girl Scouts
Recently the Bookbinders Museum was approached by local Girl Scout troop 33239 who were planning activities around their Book Artist badge. Librarian, Amelia Grounds, visited the troop and showed various aspects of bookbinding and book construction. Here, she recounts the day’s activities. I enjoy any opportunity to talk about bookbinding
Hand Bookbinders of California 43rd Members Exhibition
The American Bookbinders Museum is pleased announce that we will be hosting the Hand Bookbinders of California’s 43rd Annual Members’ Exhibition this summer from June 12 – September 13, 2015. This will be ABM’s first exhibition in our newly remodeled facility! We hope, it will be the first of many
Ink Making!
A few weeks ago we had a pilot ink making tutorial here at the Museum. Here are some images and explanations of the process, which resulted in use-able ink! It all started with a few Oak Galls (the primary ingredient in Iron Gall Ink). Oak galls form when the Gall
Book Traces
My first book love was the odd world of medieval manuscript art: an age defined by distinctive books that are inherently unique in form if not content. These handwritten and handmade books form the core of my knowledge of books and the advent of the age of printing alone is