Sollas Bookbinding

About

My books and boxes are made employing traditional bookbinding techniques which I love adhering to closely. I do however also want to give my work its very own style and feel. I hand craft the decorative paper I use to cover the objects I make. It is effectively a paper batik. Many layers of ink, dyes and wax ensure a rich and deep texture which at times is evocative of sea, sand and rock patterns and at other times a mere aesthetic expression. The wax is ironed out at the end of the process leaving the paper with a very tactile quality to it. This makes my books and boxes attractive and sturdy at the same time.

I also love working with Harris tweed and leather. Here, I work with different book structures like long stitch journals, cross structures and coptic books with handsewn headbands.

Over the years I have participated in a number of group exhibitions travelling to places such as Edinburgh, London and Germany. Playing with traditional book binding techniques and adapting them in response to the place I live in is a real joy. I incorporate new materials into traditional book structures such as sand, netting, fish farm overalls and creel hooks. In my decorative rock papers I play with rock patterns whilst the very process of making these papers with the melting of wax with ink and dyes echoes the melting of sediments in the formation of rocks defining the Uist shore line and visible in each tiny pebble on the beach – an unearthing of patterns and accidentals. In binding my books, I am able to understand my relationship with the spaces that surround me a little better and to communicate its nature with others through the medium of the book.

The use of quality cartridge paper for the book blocks makes the books ideal for sketching, taking notes or keeping thoughts.

The boxes make beautiful homes to jewellery, photographs, artist’s tools, letters and all kind of other treasures.

Each item is individually hand-crafted, making it an ideal ‘special’ gift. I am also very happy to make both books and boxes to order.

Please also get in touch if you want to learn to make a book, I am very happy to show you during a workshop in my studio. Or if you want to try out binding a book in your own time and space, my book kit might just be ideal for you. You find them on my website, at Taigh Chearsabhagh or during your visit to my studio.