Blog

Posted on

A Stanhope Press

 Monthly Supplement of the Penny Magazine, Vol.II, November 30-December 31, 1833, (p. 505)

I found this image of a Stanhope press quite provocative. I imagine it is lit by the moon–a full moon? — notice the highlights on the cloud visible through the window. This quiet press glows with a pale whiteness, waiting for ink blackened type, which like the darkness outside is full of possibilities. Is this press coming to life; rising out of the cross it rests on, its bar reaching towards the light?  There is a loneliness here: no people, no ink, no visible type, no printed sheets. The open frisket and windowpane visually merge; a reminder, perhaps slightly cliched, that the printed page is indeed a window?

Posted on

Carbon Fiber Lifter

The carbon fiber lifter is a new tool to aid a conservator when mechanically lifting covering material, pastedowns and general delaminating.  Lifting knives, teflon tools, micro spatulas, teflon coated tools, and bamboo hera all have their place in a conservator’s arsenal. The carbon fiber lifter is between a teflon folder and bamboo in feel: much thinner and more rigid than teflon, stronger than bamboo and it slides easier. Very strong and flexible, though not indestructable. Great for paper, weak cloth, heavily embossed cloth, and lumpy, uneven boards.  It is flexible, yet provides unparalleled control even when it is in deep.  It is designed to slide between and separate adhered materials, but the blade is not really strong enough to split a board, like a knife can do.  The carbon fiber lifter is designed for sliding and prying lifting techniques.  I’ve also found it useful for reversing previous “repairs” like gluing a cloth case spine to the text block, given its thinness and long length. The cutting edge is rounded and extends about 2.5 inches (63 mm.)  The edge can be easily sanded to alter or repair the bevel, but I strongly recommend respiratory protection and gloves.  Here is the Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS. Additionally, the carbon fiber looks very cool. Materials: Woven carbon fiber embedded in epoxy.

Weight: .3 oz (8 grams)  Size: 1 x 12 x .030 inches (25 x 300 x .75mm)

ITEM #: CFL  Introductory price  $25.00   CURRENT PRICE $35.00

.

.

.

Posted on

Sewing a Book: 1902 and 1946

Above: Douglas Cockerell,  Bookbinding, and the Care of Books

(New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1902), 104.

.

Above: Edith Diehl, Bookbinding: Its Background and Technique

(New York: Rinehart & Co., Inc., 1946), 123.

.

It is interesting how much bookbinding has changed in the 50 odd years from 1900 to 1950. The skirts and hairstyles are much shorter. The stool you sit on also looks to be metal, rather than wood. Thanks to the sharp eyes of the John Townsend (aka. Anonymous Bookbinder) for bringing this to my attention and supplying these images. John has noticed that 23 illustrations originally done by Noel Rooke (Cockerell’s illustrator)  are highly likely to be redrawn by Mrs. Edna Kaula (Diehl’s illustrator).