History

The Society of Bookbinders achieved its golden anniversary in 2024. The society was formed in 1974 by John Coleman and Terry Walker, and a number of other trade binders and tutors in and around Manchester. They were concerned about the reduction in hand craft skills in the City and Guild’s bookbinding courses, and the lack of a body catering for the needs of ‘ordinary’ bookbinders. Our society has been committed to promoting the craft of hand bookbinding and to support its everyday practitioners ever since.

The society has grown in numbers, to nearly a thousand members, in the UK, Europe and across the globe. At national level the society usually has a national gathering, an annual journal Bookbinder, a members’ newsletter, webinars and masterclass workshops (these in conjunction with Designer Bookbinders). The society also organises national and international bookbinding competitions, showcasing the best in traditional and contemporary bookbinding. Across the UK there are seven geographical regions, and members have access to regional events that usually include workshops, talks and demonstrations, and visits.

The history of the society is explored in more depth in Gold! Celebrating our 50th anniversary, an article by member Barry Clark in volume 38 of our Bookbinder journal. You can download it here. Our first 25 years was covered in an earlier article by Mike Duckworth, download that here.

The Society of Bookbinders: a 50 year timeline

• 1974: formation

• 1977: first Conference, then biennial

• 1978: becomes Society of Bookbinders and Book Restorers

• 1979: first Competition, Ratchford Trophy

• 1979: regions emerge: North West, then Wales and West,  London and South East . . . .

• 1987: annual Bookbinder journal launched

• 1990: name reverts to Society of Bookbinders

• 1995: 21st Anniversary, Conference in Manchester

• 1997: first website goes live

• 1998: new version of now familiar logo appears

• 2002: first Seminar, alternates thereafter with Conference

• 2004: joint national workshops with Designer Bookbinders launched

• 2021: first national webinar

• 2023: reconstituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation

• 2024: 50th Anniversary Day (Kelsall) and 50th Anniversary Conference (York)