Rare Books

History of Book Binding

The introduction of printing in the 15th Century gave a great impetus to bookbinding. As the number of books increased, so the occupation of printer and binder became separate. The introduction of goldleaf from the East into Venice, the use of fine delicate tools for impressing the gold designs, and different color leathers for onlays and inlays on the covers, laid the foundation for the exquisite art of decorative binding. The early 16th Century was one of the finest periods in the history of decorative bookbinding.

Around this time, Morocco (goat) leather was first used to supplement the previously used calf leather.

Jean Grolier commissioned many stunning bindings from the best craftsmen at the time and was one of the first collectors to have the titles of his books lettered on their spines. Previously, books were usually shelved with their spines innermost and the titles lettered in ink on the fore-edges.

The French School of Binders in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries followed the impulse given by Grolier and was unrivalled until the end of the 18th century. In Germany, books were usually bound in pigskin, vellum or calf. The latter being preferred for its soft, smooth surface and its great advantages for blind tooling.

With the exception of a few binders, notably Samuel Mearne, binder to Charles II, who originated the cottage style of ornamentation, England suffered a gradual decline in decorative bookbinding until the end of the 18th century. Roger Payne restored English binding with his fine small tools and original designs, finishing his bindings in accordance with the character of the book.

Toward the end of the 19th century, inspiration was led by William Morris who interested T.S. Cobden-Sanderson, a lawyer, in changing careers and took up binding. He set up the Doves Bindery and his most successful pupil was Douglas Cockerell. From their lead, the modern school of binding was formed, and with the formation in the '50's of the Society called "The Designer Bookbinders," the current state of the craft is very healthy.

Click here to visit the Fine Bindings Gallery.