This fine binding is of Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë, and is one of my favourite books. Making this was a rare chance for me to work on a project that was entirely my own without the restraints of client requirements. I aim to make a fine binding for myself once a year, but with 2020 being slightly challenging for everyone, this one from 2019 was my last. I was fortunate to have it exhibited in a few locations including at the Worthing Museum and East Beach Gallery.
The fire at Rochester was always one of the most exciting parts of the book, evoking a massive change in the lives of the characters and a gripping aspect of the storyline. I was keen to create a design that embraced this in a wild and unkempt manner, hence the use of paint splatter – a method that I have little control over, much like a raging inferno of paint! I particularly like the escaped paint at the windows, giving the impression of fire escaping from the building.
My fine bindings are often for sale, this one is no exception and can be purchased through my shop – though there is, and will be, only one!
original textblock 
the content 
a classic cloth binding 
spine all cleaned up and ready for next stages 
layering up paint on the cover
TREATMENT
- Initially the cover was removed from the binding and kept for reference.
- The textblock was then placed in the press and the spine lining and adhesive (animal glue) was removed manually with a spatular, having been previously softened with a wheat starch paste poultice.
- The spine was then reshaped to re-create the round.
- Made endpapers were created and sewn onto the textblock.
- Endbands were sewn in yellow and black to match the cover design.
- The spine was lined with fray not and manilla.
- The boards were laced in and covered in a smooth cartridge paper and sanded.
- The binding was then covered in a black goatskin.
- The cover decoration was blind tooled and then sprayed with acrylic paint.
Before 
After