How Do You Bind 3,000 Books in a Day?

Benjamin Bradley
and the
Art of Manufacturing Publishers’ Cloth Bindings
A talk to be given by Todd Pattison
May 31, 2011

Although he was not the "first publishers' binder" as he was sometimes credited, Benjamin Bradley was certainly the most successful bookbinding manufacturer in New England. Before his death in 1862 he employed 120 workers and was turning out 3,000 books a day. He grew his business not only by embracing new technologies and changes in workflow, but also by making his bindings appealing to buyers, which led to increased demand from publishers. This talk will examine not only the bindings that he produced but also how bookbinding changed in the 1830-1860’s from small shops to large manufacturing businesses that were necessary to keep up with the increased production in the printing and publishing of books.

Location: The Library Company of Philadelphia
Cassatt House
1320 Locust Street

A reception will precede the talk at 5:30.
The talk will begin at 6 p.m.
(This event is co-sponsored with the Library Company of Philadelphia.)
Please let us know if you are coming!

click to RSVP

Wire-Edge Binding Workshop Coming Up

An Introduction to Wire-Edge and Gutter-Wire Bindings
with Graham Watson
April 16-17, 2011 9:30 am – 5 pm
$200 members $250 non-members
(and a small materials fee yet to be determined)
The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

This workshop will demonstrate the fundamental methods and materials for two related binding structures: the wire-edge binding and gutter-wire binding, and show a variety of examples based upon these techniques. The wire-edge structure is a versatile approach to binding single sheets or boards in a codex form which opens freely and lies flat while open. The gutter-wire structure offers similar advantages with more traditional folded signatures. The two basic methods can also be combined, offering creative possibilities for working with a mixture of signatures and single sheets, attaching unconventional cover materials, or integrating dissimilar materials in one structure. Workshop participants will complete a model which incorporates both the wire-edge and gutter-wire methods in one piece, providing practice with the essentials of each, and a glimpse of the possibilities of using both methods in tandem. Tools and materials particular to these structures will be discussed, as well as the fabrication of jigs and other aids which would be helpful when considering an edition utilizing these methods.

Graham Watson is a book artist who translates experiences within nature to a reflective contemplation of humanity’s interactions with our environment, and the perception of place defined within a greater natural order. His work is informed by interests in the natural sciences, and a background which includes music, graphic design, photography, and writing. Graham holds an MFA in book arts and printmaking from the University of the Arts, and a BA in graphic design from American University.

If you would like to hold a spot, please send a check made out to:
The Guild of Book Workers
Mail the check along with your contact information to:
Alice Austin
The Library Company of Philadelphia
1314 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Some Local Book Exhibits

There are two book arts exhibitions in the Delaware Valley.
Click on the links below for details.

In Wilmington:

The Book: A Contemporary View

In Philadelphia:

Haunted Philadelphia: Photography and Pop-ups by Colette Fu

DVC Annual Meeting 2011

Thursday, March 10th 5-7 p.m.

The Library Company of Philadelphia
1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia PA, 19107
5:00 - 5:30 Wine and Cheese
5:30 – 6:00 Meeting
6:00 - 7:00 Fun group activity: a memory based drawing game
-accordion book provided.
We hope you can make it! Bring a friend!
Please RSVP by email or phone:
215-546-3181 (ask for Jennifer Rosner)

Fast, Friendly, Free Event

Downsize your stash….bring some STUFF.. We will organize a trade and take turns choosing materials. Think of it as an exchange.

Some ideas: Bookcloth, Paper, Thread, Boards, Buttons, Beads, Bones, Maps…. and other paper items.

Anything that you think might inspire someone’s book projects.

Bring your basic tools and make something with your newfound materials!

Who: Delaware Valley Chapter Members

When: Saturday January 29, 2 pm

Where: The Library Company of Philadelphia

1314 Locust Street

Phila. PA 19107

This is a members-only event

Click HERE to RSVP by if you can come

Fast, Friendly, Free

Paper Folding Workshop

With Eriko Takahashi

Saturday, December 11

2-4pm

Library Company of Philadelphia

1314 Locust Street.

RSVP

This is a DVC-GBW members-only event.

Nag Hammadi - Two Events

Julia Miller is coming to town and we have two events coming up.

Lecture:
Early Book Structures and the Nag Hammadi Codices
Co-Sponsored by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers and the Library Company of Philadelphia
Held at the Library Company
1314 Locust Street
Friday, October 29th
Reception 5:30, Lecture at 6:00
Please RSVP to the Library Company (scroll down)

Workshop:
Nag Hammadi Codices: Single Quire Bindings
Sponsored by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers
There's still space!
Click here for more details.