On my forays from old haunt Preston to the city and back, I passed Renaissance Bookbinders on a daily basis. The handbound books in the window and intriguing contraptions within held my curious eye on each occasion until, finally, I fashioned an occasion to step inside and enquire about what on earth this cabinet of paper curiousities really is.
As it turns out, the description is helpfully literal. This shop binds books, using traditional and very beautiful binding methods around since the Renaissance. They promote the art of book binding in addition to making their honest living through binding books for others. Their paper presses and other by-hand binding contraptions are fascinating to behold.
Their official spiel is as follows:
Renaissance Bookbinding was Established in 1981 to promote and enhance his ancient craft of bookbinding and the book arts.Specialising in fine bookbinding & conservation in historical and contemporary designs. Artists’ Books bound in Unique State and Limited Editions. Renaissance Bookbinding is located in a Edwardian shopfront located at 493 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Nth. Melbourne Victoria. The shop window has a display to public of some past and current work commisioned by artists, designers and printmakers.We have in stock quality Leather Bound Journals, Book Boxes and Albums. Renaissance Bookbinding has unique collection of historical Bookbinding Presses from 1880, Alboin Printing Press from 1858, Vandercook proofing press 1961, Marshall and MaCkay Bristol Gold stamping presses from 1900. Large collection of Gold finishing tools, handset type, brass and foundry. Renaissance Booklbinding offers consultancy for both conservation and binding, all enquiries are welcome.
At the very least, a curious peer through the window of this intriguing establishment is essential on your next Brunswick St trawl.
Their details:
RENAISSANCE BOOKBINDING
493 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
p: (03) 9481 8402 f: (03) 9481 8402
They don’t have a website.
thanks to:
for the photo.