Books have been my lifelong companions. From an early age, I was captivated by them—so much so that it felt as if I was born knowing how to read. As a child, I devoured anything with words, and my favourite game was "going to the library" with my dolls. But my passion goes beyond reading. I’m enchanted by the feel of books, the secrets they hold, the textures of their pages, and the beauty of their covers. Over the years, I’ve collected, cherished, and let go of countless books—only to start collecting again. Around 30 years ago, my journey into bookbinding began out of necessity. I couldn’t find photo albums that matched my vision for housing my extensive family history collection. So, I taught myself to create them. This practical start blossomed into a love for crafting both handmade journals and albums. Today, I have a cupboard brimming with over 60 handmade photo albums, though none of my original journals remain—they’ve all found homes elsewhere. Interestingly, I also collect handmade journals made by other artisans, but I can never bring myself to use them. They always feel too precious to spoil! My recent venture into bookbinding was again driven by necessity. In my art journaling class, it became increasingly difficult to find A4 journals with heavyweight paper suitable for painting. With paper, card, and my old tools on hand, I decided it was time to make them myself. And so, Weaver’s Knot Books was born. |
I've always found it hard to pinpoint exactly what draws me to bookbinding, but one thing is certain: the moment I hold a completed book in my hands, it's incredibly satisfying. My preference leans towards crafting covers from leather; the texture, aroma, and appearance of leather captivates me endlessly. Equally fulfilling though, is the challenge of repurposing materials, such as old artist canvases that once lay forgotten.
My maternal grandmother, Ivy May Frost (nee Bramley) was a talented artist and upholsterer, and I recently unearthed another fascinating family connection: my paternal grandmother, Florence Rose Webber (nee Elliott), was a bookbinder at Butler and Tanner Printers in Frome, Somerset, UK, before her marriage. Established in 1845, Butler and Tanner were renowned as one of Britain's oldest and most prestigious colour printers, notably producing the first Penguin books from 1935. Although Florence had moved on by then, her craftsmanship endured through her later work sewing leather gloves for the renowned Dents Gloves. Reflecting on this heritage, I believe I've inherited both a love for bookbinding and an appreciation for fine leather from my paternal grandmother and my art and creativity from my maternal grandmother. It's a legacy that enriches my craft and adds deeper meaning to every piece I create. |
Florence Rose Elliott C1921
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