Art of bookbinding celebrated at National Library of Scotland
Bookbinders from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK have triumphed in one of the book industry's most sought-after design competitions, organised by the National Library of Scotland.
The Elizabeth Soutar Bookbinding Competition is now in its 23rd year and attracts binders from all over Europe. It aims to encourage the practice and development of both creative and craft binding skills which display individual expression and originality.
The winners of the 2015 awards have now been announced. They are:
- Best Craft Binding: Daniel Wray, London
- Best Creative Binding: Anna Linssen, the Netherlands
- Best Craft Binding, student award: Pilar Calahorra, Spain
- Best Creative Binding, student award: Geert Stevens, Belgium.
The 2015 competition attracted a total of 19 entries. A prize of £1,200 went to the main award winners, while the student award winners received £600. The winning bindings along with all other entries will be on public display in the entrance hall of the Library at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh until 10 March.
'Bookbinding is a centuries old craft that has a special place in the development of the manuscript and printed book,' said National Librarian Dr John Scally. 'It is important that we encourage the preservation of these skills through competitions such as the Elizabeth Soutar awards.'
Mrs Elizabeth A Clark (formerly Soutar) of Moray sponsored the award from 1993 until her death in 2008. Thanks to a bequest from her, the competition continues.
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26 February 2016