Welcome to Highland Bookbinding in Scotland
Where traditional Scottish bookbinding meets timeless craftsmanship
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Nestled in the heart of Scotland
We are a traditional Scottish bookbinding company, dedicated to preserving the art of bookbinding in Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrew’s, Perth or Aberdeen… all across Scotland. Our passion lies in breathing new life into old books, transforming worn pages and tattered covers binding them into rejuvenated treasures. Each book that enters our workshop is treated with the utmost care and respect it deserves, employing age-old bookbinding techniques handed down through generations.
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“The Young Man’s Best Companion” from 1824… 200 years old and full of splendid information… I am off to make my own sundial. Apologies to @cherrylbrunelstudio my (lack of) photography skills have not done your paper justice! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
“Moral and Political Philosophy” 1823. Well, I’m really only posting this book so I have an excuse to select this piece of music! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
“The Complete Modern Cook” published by Baldwin and Cradock in 1834, I wonder if the Cradock is any relation to XXXXy (Name of infamous maker doughnuts removed lest it affect any metric). Anyway, some splendid paper on the book from @jemmalewismarbling and I could not resist the ‘cartoons’ I used on the box. If I were so minded I should do some kind of prize giveaway if you get both the doughnut reference and the chef associated with the music attached to this post! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
“The Empire of China” 1836 from the wonderfully entitled ‘Library of Entertaining Knowledge’ – I need a euphemism – ah, yes, very much a book of its time! I could not resist the tune and thanks to @jemmalewismarbling for the wonderful paper! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Here is the full range of miniature notebooks / Christmas tree decorations available for sale (assorted colours available). If you are interested PM me and I will share an eBay link or search “Handmade Tiny Miniature Book Christmas Tree” on eBay… Never done this before, so borrowed a friend’s site there are some other bound books there too! Only one acceptable Christmas tune. #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
The rather splendidly titled “Travels in Scotland: Descriptive of the state of manners, literature and science” (1821) authored by L A Necker de Saussere. Published in London, Printed for Sir Richard Phillips and co. With thanks to @jemmalewismarbling for the paper and @jhewitsons for the green goat… There is only one bit of music acceptable for travels in Scotland! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofins
So against my better judgement… I have made some of these available for sale (assorted colours available)… if you are interested PM me and I will share an eBay link or search "Handmade Tiny Miniature Book Christmas Tree" on ebay… never done this before, so borrowed a friend’s site! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
A rather splendid combination of paper from @cherrylbrunelstudio and some rather splendid goat from @jhewitsons #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
So, @copticcowgirl following on from the post 2 days ago, this is how you finish off the leather hinges… I’m assuming you’ve attached the boards to the book in whatever way you want I tend to use 2-millimetre millboard with a linen hinge. The photographs should be self-explanatory, however, if you have any questions please just ask! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Something spiritual for a Sunday afternoon… @jameswritesurprisingly wrote a splendid novella and @jemmalewismarbling always creates some wonderful papers, but I bet this is the first time they have been used demonically! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Interesting day embossing titles, from the sublime to the ridiculous (up to you to assign ridiculousness or sublimity wherever you consider fitting). Calvin’s Commentary on Hebrews, @jameswritesurprisingly demonically possessed librarians and some Travels in Scotland from 1821… #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Well, this is probably not a very interesting post, but hopefully informative! Apologies for the music, but you try and find an appropriate song for leather hinges! @copticcowgirl asked me how to make up a leather hinge and it’s end papers… so, I’ve given it a go… please see attached photographs. It is simple enough, but there is a lot of drying involved, so it does take some time. Here are a few other things to consider… Remember grain direction! Size matters not, you are trimming it on the book anyway… Remember grain direction! The strip of leather should be thinned to at least 0.4 mm, thinner if you can and pair the edges down to nothing. Remember grain direction! The strip of leather should also be at least 30mm wide, gives you a bit of flexibility when you are sticking it down. Any questions or points of clarification please just ask. #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Short Sketches of the Wild Sports and Natural History of The Highlands (1847) and thanks to @jemmalewismarbling for the incredible paper… #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Geographical Dictionary or General Gazetteer (1807) with the maps intact thanks to @thewhimsicalmarbler for some wonderful papers! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Gloop day, I love a good gloop day… lets see what I got! Works best when using @privateeyenews to mop up the excess! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
All the advice one could possibly need…. even on how to make your own sun dial! Incredible paper from @jemmalewismarbling #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
Anyone for “An Essay on Military Education” (1776)… On reflection, I am sure something happened in #1776 – something to do with some colonies, but I can’t quite put my finger on it… #militaryeducation Anyway, @thewhimsicalmarbler paper looks stunning!
#bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
“Incidents of travel in Egypt, Arabia Petraea, and the Holy Land” (1839) and a matching box… it’s a very good read too! #bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
“The Young Man’s Best Companion” (1822) – everything you needed to know in the early 19th Century! Oh and @jemmalewismarbling – brilliant sheet of paper at an excellent price!
#bookrestoration #bookbinding #bookbinder #binding #bookarts #cuadernos #encuadernacionartesanal #marbling #rarebooks #antiquebooks #scottishbookstagrammer #bookbindersofinstagram
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Heritage Craftsmanship
Developing the rich tradition and history of Scottish bookbinding, showcasing the evolution of techniques and materials used over the centuries.
Artisan Techniques
Delve into the unique, hand-crafted methods employed in our bookbinding process, from sewing to leather working.
Material Elegance
Discover the variety and quality of materials used, such as fine leathers, hand-made papers, and unique binding threads.
Restoration Expertise
Experience the skill involved in restoring and preserving old and damaged books, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
Custom Creations from Scotland
Focus on the ability to create bespoke books, from personalized journals to one-of-a-kind gift editions, tailored to individual preferences.
Sustainability Commitment
Dedication to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and methods in the bookbinding process.