Two Arts and Crafts Limp Vellum Binding Styles: handout, models

British Arts and Crafts Movement printers William Morris (Kelmscott Press) and T.J. Cobden-Sanderson (Doves Press) both chose to bind their iconic works in limp vellum cases. Because these bindings are so devoid of ornament, differing aspects of their construction such as the tone and figuring of the vellum, color and visibility of the sewing supports and thread, treatment of the case’s fore edges, uniformity of the turn-ins, amount of overlap forming the corners, and the organic rough edges become design elements.

These models were made as demos while teaching a bookbinding workshop. They may include marks or notes made to aid students. Colors and patterns will vary. Cutaway bindings revealing structural features are sometimes available.

Workshop handout not included with model but available separately: Eighteen-page workshop handout with bibliography plus tool and supply list. Please note this handout was written not to replace but to supplement an in-person workshop demo.