A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with Dave Allen, a local bookbinder. We talk and write a lot around here about rare books, antiquarian books, collectible books, and first edition books, so it was a real treat to go and learn a bit about their creation, restoration and repair.
Dave was very friendly to me and very tolerant of my asking a million questions. He was working on a first edition of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s The Blue Castle, and a probably first edition of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. Watching him work, and listening to him talk about what he does for a living, I was inspired by how much he clearly cares about his job, and the books he creates, repairs and restores.
The article was featured in the Avid Reader this month. Have a look, and read the whole article!
Tags: antiquarian books, book arts, book repair, book restoration, bookbinding, collectible books, crafts, first edition books, rare books
Would love to know how to contact this gentleman - I have had left in my care quite a number of books, mostly printed in the 1800’s - some need some restoration. They are eventually to be sold on my sister’s account.
Anne - email me on rdavies@abebooks.com and I’ll give you his contact details.
Regards
Richard