The Thread that Binds, Signed LE, 1 of 22, Unique Binding by Scott Kellar

Full Title:  The Thread that Binds: Interviews with Private Practice Bookbinders

Binding Details:  The Thread that Binds is a unique fine binding designed and executed by Scott Kellar in 2011. The binding is laced into boards and bound in full black goatskin leather with leather onlays and gold leaf tooling. There are gold hand sewn silk endbands, multicolored endsheets, as well as black burnished edges. The book is housed in a custom made cloth covered clamshell box with a leather label containing the title and authors name in gilt.

The binding was selected for inclusion in the 2011 Lone Star Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers exhibition held at the Museum of Printing History in Houston as well as Southern Methodist University.

A copy of the exhibition catalogue along with Scott Kellar’s signed artist statement for “The Thread that Binds” will accompany the book.

The book measures 9.25” x 6” x 1.5”

Book Details:  Published in 2010 by Oak Knoll Press, Delaware, The Thread that Binds is comprised of 21 interviews of independent bookbinders. The book documents Pamela Leutz's quest to learn about the lives of representatives of this field. Each chapter tells a different story as Leutz discovers the challenges, successes, and "common threads" among each of the binders. Included in the book are images offering a closer look at these bookbinders' studios, as well as photographs of the bookbinders themselves.

In addition to the trade edition of the book, Oak Knoll Press released 51 sets of sheets that were provided to members of the Guild of Book Workers for an exhibition that was planned in 2011. The unique bindings for this project were exhibited at the Museum of Printing History in Houston as well as Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Scott Kellar is one of the 21 bookbinders featured in the book. This copy is signed by all 21 bookbinders featured as well as the author and is one of only 22 that are signed.

Artist Statement: This book, written by a colleague and friend, interviews twenty-one binders in the U.S. who make a living by practicing their craft. I was privileged to be among the twenty-one interviewed. The interviews serve to compare and contrast the life trajectories of those of us who’ve chosen this path. My design is a simple celebration of those who live by the craft.

About the Artist: A master of traditional fine bookbinding, Scott Kellar has been working intimately with books for over 40 years. Introduced to bookbinding as a hobby in 1972, his commitment to the craft was immediate. While pursuing a career in book conservation, Scott’s love of books expanded into the realm of design binding, where the art of the binder becomes integral to the book, adding yet another layer of imagery and interpretation to the work of the author. As a result, his artistic works have been featured in book art exhibition venues local, national and international. Awards won include the ‘Coup De Coeur’ award at the Biennale Mondiale de la Reliure D’Art, The Society of Bookbinders Award for Forwarding and the Fine Binding J. Hewit & Sons Ltd. Award. His studio in located in Chicago where he also teaches to share both his skills and vision.

Condition Report: The binding and clamshell box are in FINE condition.

Photographs of the binding, the clamshell box, and the catalogue mentioned in the listing appear in the photo section of the listing.