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Bookbinding


BOOKBINDING & RESTORATION SERVICES

The most frequently
required work is the conservation or sympathetic replacement of a decayed book spine, and reattachment or strengthening of detached or weakened boards. Current best practice is to save as much of the original binding as possible.

When an old binding cannot be restored, we can produce either an accurate reproduction of the original, or create a new binding in a style suitable to the period, and in accordance with your budget. All work is executed in conservation grade leather of the finest quality, tanned in England, hand-made paper, hand-marbled decorative papers, and decorated in genuine 22 1/2 carat double gold leaf, in the traditional manner.

We are always happy to advise on the implications that restoration or rebinding work may have for the book's value. If you have a book, album or portfolio requiring attention, please either email us: Cambridgeprints@aol.com, preferably with images, or leave the item at The Cambridge Book and Print Gallery for inspection by the Binder. We aim to furnish an assessment and estimate within 7 working days. Please see below for the information that helps us in providing an accurate estimate.

Among our binding services we undertake: the restoration of old Family Bibles, heirloom children's books and family documents; the making of custom portfolios, boxes and slip-cases to store books and works of art on paper, the cleaning and restoration of title pages and prints within books; the production of bespoke books as gifts and for presentation. We also offer binding and restoration classes suitable to all levels. To speak directly to the Bindery, please call +44 (0)7747 688 965.

Guide to How to Describe a Book for Estimating:
Good images are very useful, but other information is helpful:
Date and general dimensions:height, width, depth.
The book block: are the pages coming apart or is it firm? Any staining, mould etc?
The binding: Are the boards/ spine detached, the general condition of the leather, any abrasions to edges and corners, etc.

Examples of Work

Half calf binding
Half calf, coloured labels, gilt, hand-marbled paper
Gilt reback
Reback, gilt
Full goatskin
Full goatskin, full gilt
Reback
Reback, retaining old spine.
Goatskin with paper and vellum inlays
Goatskin with paper and vellum inlays, gilt
Goatskin extra gilt
Goatskin, extra gilt

Goatskin medium gilt
Goatskin, medium gilt

Album in Japanese silk
Album in Japanese Silk
Quarter goatskin, gilt, continental paste paper
Quarter goatskin, gilt, continental paste paper
Quarter goatskin, gilt, French silk sides
Quarter goatskin, gilt, French silk sides
Quarter goatskin, hand marbled paper
Quarter goatskin, hand marbled paper
Reback, gilt, coloured label, retaining old boards
Reback, gilt, coloured label, retaining old boards
 
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