Hippman Memorial Library

The core of the library was formed by books on bookbinding and related subjects bequeathed to the Society by the late Frank Hippman.

Frank always wanted the books to be available for reference and he hoped that other members who have ‘doubles’ on their shelves, would add to his collection. It is hoped that Frank’s gesture will also encourage other members to bequeath books to the library.

Frank was introduced to bookbinding at his first school in London but, due to the war (in which he played an exciting and distinguished part), it was nearly forty years before he returned to bookbinding and its allied crafts. This he did by attending all the adult education courses he could and, in a very short time had acquired new skills and craftsmanship. He started the SoB Newsletter on coming to live in the West Country and, when ill-health forced him to give up the editorship, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Society.