About The Society

Terry Walker and John Coleman formed the Society in Manchester, England, in 1974. They were concerned at the closing of National Bookbinding Apprenticeship schemes and saw the need for a society devoted to the aims of appropriate training and education to fill this void. They also saw the organisation as representing the interests of bookbinders, conservators, librarians and book collectors; acting as a forum for the exchange of information. A further aim was the promoting of the highest standards of bookbinding, preservation and conservation of our written and printed heritage. From its inception, the Society has successfully striven to ensure these aims are met.

From those early beginnings, the Society has grown both in numbers and influence. It now has members in all parts of the world and includes amongst that membership, some of the most highly regarded names in the profession.

In 1987, the first of our annual journals 'BOOKBINDER' was published. A copy is sent, in December, to all members, as is a National Newsletter, three times a year. The history of the Society is described in an article by Frank Hippman, editor of the National Newsletter, in volume nine, the 1995 issue, of BOOKBINDER. The Society has also embarked on publishing a series of Training and Educational Booklets giving detail to a level not normally found in books on bookbinding.

The Society holds a conference every second year at which lecturers of international repute give demonstrations and talks on all aspects of the craft. The last, and very successful one, was held last year, 1997, at Durham University. Trade suppliers of everything of interest to the bookbinder are always in attendance at these conferences.

Membership of the Society is open to anyone interested in the printed word, be you bookbinder (professional or hobbyist), conservator, librarian, book lover or collector, you will be welcome.

If you would like any further detail about the Society, contact the National Secretary: Mrs. Gina Isaac, Lower Hammonds Farm, Ripley Lane, WEST HORSLEY, Surrey KT24 6JP, UNITED KINGDOM. Tel:+44 (0)1483 283175 or Fax:+44 (0)1483 281141

Organisation

As well as the Central or National Council, the Society has organised itself into nine individual regions. Each region has its own committee, comprising a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee Members, they are responsible for running that region and ensuring its education and training commitments are met. This is achieved by arranging a series of Mastercraft Classes where well known members of the profession give demonstrations and lectures. In addition to these Mastercraft Classes, visits to binderies and noted libraries are undertaken. Visits to libraries such as the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, Eton College, and the Bodleian, have been arranged. Each region sends at least one member to the National Council Meetings, held four times a year. There is a National AGM and a Regional AGM each year.

The regions are:

BIRMINGHAM
Chairman : Liz Anderton, Ferncliffe, Oldbury Wells, Brignorth, SHROPSHIRE, WV16 5JE. e-mail:bookstack@mcmail.com

CHESTER & NORTH WALES
Secretary: Mrs Joan Duncan, Gable Cottage, Chester Road, Kelsall, Tarporley, CHESHIRE, CW6 0RN.

EAST ANGLIA
Secretary: Dominic Wall, 2 Oxford Road, Ipswich, SUFFOLK, IP4 1NL. Tel: 01473 286632

LONDON & SOUTH EAST
Secretary: Keith Clayton, 7 Southbrook Close, Havant, HAMPSHIRE, PO9 1RW

MIDLANDS
Chairman: Alan Thompson, 33 Chestnut Avenue, Mickleover, DERBY, DE3 5FS

NORTH EAST
Secretary: Mrs H. Kendall, 5 Kempson Way, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, CLEVELAND, TS20 1RH

NORTH WEST
Contact for the region is Paul Bush: e-mail: PaulSBush@compuserve.com

SCOTLAND
Secretary: Mr Trevor Whittley, 18 Burnbrea, Maybury Drive, EDINBURGH, EH12 8UB

WEST
Secretary: Elsi Hamilton, Flat 4, 2 Rockleaze, Sneyd Park, BRISTOL, BS9 1ND

Society of Bookbinders Conference - 1999