YOUR QUESTIONS... Below is a selection from the questions which have been asked of us. If your question is not amongst them, please email it to us at nat.secretary@societyofbookbinders.com and we will attempt to answer it as soon as possible.
Q. How do I join your Society?
A. Click here to request a membership form, or contact our Membership Secretary at: membership@societyofbookbinders.com
Q. I am looking for a bookbinder in my area, can you help me?
A. Only with suggestions on where to find one, not with an individual recommendation. This is because the Society of Bookbinders is not a trade association; we are a professional organisation formed to advance education for the public benefit in all aspects of bookbinding.
Q. So, where do I find a binder?
A. In response to requests from book dealers and members of the public, The Society has produced a List of Binders complied from SoB members who are prepared to take on work. Go to the BINDERS & BINDERIES page of our LINKS section to download a PDF version.
Since you are on the web, you can use your search engine to see if there are any binders in your area. If so, they might have samples of their work and price lists on their web pages. Look for craft or hand bookbinders in the Yellow Pages. Ask your local library or antiquarian bookshop where they get their books repaired.
A word of caution, however, don’t trust your most valuable books to anyone, even with a recommendation, until you have experienced first hand the quality and reliability of their work.
Q. What can I do if I am dissatisfied with the work of the bookbinder whom I selected?
A. If they belong to a trade association, then that is the place to start. No trade association? Then your next step is your local Office of Fair Trading. When selecting a binder, as well as seeking recommendations and generally doing your homework to establish who is the best binder for the job, you should also ask for details of their business insurance policy. Most good binders are covered for damage and loss occuring in the bindery and also whilst goods are in transit.
Q. How can I find out about bookbinding classes in my area?
A. Details about evening and part-time classes are often available at your local library. Click here to go to our Education section which contains lists of Full-time, Part-time and Short Courses. If you are not already an SoB member, we (naturally) recommend that you join our Society; the Newsletter which comes out three times a year has listings of classes suitable for all skill levels. Our regions hold regular day classes on many subjects and through these you will meet visiting lecturers who also teach either in their own binderies or in colleges. Click here to find out about becoming a member.
Q. If I come to a class held by one of your regions, what kind of people would I expect to meet?
A. All sorts! The Society of Bookbinders is open to anyone with an interest or connection to bookbinding. There are binders of all levels – professional, amateur, hobbyist, student and retired binders. However, our membership also emcompasses suppliers, booksellers, teachers, publishers and others. Basically, anyone who supports the aims of the Society.
Q. Where can I purchase new books on bookbinding and its history?
A. The British Library Book Shop
Q. I have a big old Victorian Bible which is in need of repair (weak at the joints/detatched board etc.). How much will it cost to repair?
A. Difficult to quantify without seeing it, of course, but generally speaking, repairs could cost up to GBP150.00. Look in your local Yellow Pages for bookbinders, go along and see them and get a quote - but ask to see examples of their work before handing over your Bible.
Q. I am considering making some bookshelves for my collection of rare books, can I use MDF (particle board)?
A. No. Only use MDF if it is covered (ie. sealed) with wood veneer. Alternatively, use blockboard or good quality timber and do not varnish!
Q. I am studying the history of printing and bookbinding in the UK. How can I obtain more information?
A. Contact:
St. Bride Printing Library
Bride Street
London
EC4Y 8EE
phone: 0207 353 4660
The Society of Bookbinders archives (1975 to present day) can be viewed at:
Birmingham Central Library
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3HQ
phone: 0121 303 4217 (Archives Dept.)
SoB Archives ref: MS 2272