designer bookbinders
A British society of bookbinders founded in 1951
as "The Hampstead Guild of Scribes and Book
binders." In spirit it succeeded the Hampstead
bindery, which, about 1900, operated with the
"Guild of Women Binders." While originally
centered in Hampstead, London, the present society
reached the point where no member lived there,
and, as the calligraphic elements also declined.
the name "Guild of Contemporary Bookbinders" was
adopted. Tn 1968 the present name was assumed. One
of the goals of the society is "to exert a
progressive influence on the design and technique
of bookbinding," (2(b) of the Constitution). Full
membership is open by election to any amateur or
professional bookbinder who has attained the
required standard. Candidates submit samples of
their work on which a vote is taken by the
Executive Committee. Many outstanding bookbinders,
including Edgar Mansfield (the first president),
Ivor Robinson, and Bernard Middleton, have served
as president of the society.
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