What is a Design Binding?

A design binding can best be described of a book presented as a unique work of art. The most visible aspect is of course the cover – the leather or other material which wraps around the book. However, a design binding goes far beyond that, incorporating design and creativity on the inside of the boards, the choice of end papers, the hand-sewn end bands, the decorated edges of the text block and the case or box the book is presented in to name just some elements.

Every design binding is unique, usually taking well over a hundred hours to complete and of course necessitates the very highest level of bookbinding technique and skill to make a book which is both stunningly beautiful as well as practical and readable.

Glenn was elected a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders in 2022

If you are interested in finding out about commissioning a design binding, please contact Glenn Malkin for a no-obligation chat.