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16th-Century German Gothic Binding
 

Gothic bindings evolved from parchment textblocks, where heavy wooden boards and clasps were necessary to keep the textblock from warping. After this period, pasteboards would replace wooden boards and less time intensive techniques would also be adopted. These bindings are known for their extremely solid and sturdy feel.

This model features alum-tawed calf skin that was dyed with brazilwood (with alum and potash). It was sewn all-along on 3 raised, double cords. It was laced onto white oak boards and the textblock edges were colored with Prussian blue.

 

This model was made during the Historical Book Structures Practicum, a month-long summer 2022 LACE workshop taught by Jeff Peachey.

Key Features (exceptions apply)

  • Blue and white endbands

  • Bronze clasps

  • Beveled (usually beech) wooden boards

  • Blind-tooled (usually white, alum-tawed pig) leather, which often features geometric elements

  • Evenly spaced sewing stations, the number of which tended to increase with textblock size

  • Naturally rounded spine (no backing)

  • All-along sewing on raised cords (usually double raised cords or slit leather thongs)

  • Parchment spine lining (often printer's or manuscript waste)

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