About Us

gold leaf and bookbinding

In the early 1980's my wife and I returned to college as mature students to study bookbinding and paper conservation for two years full time. On leaving college we were invited by the community at Downside Abbey in Somerset, England, to set up a book bindery.

For the next 23 years we ran the bindery and also set up a private press and paper marbling studio.gilding supplies

 

In 1997 the workshops were voted a national living treasure by Country Life magazine for their contribution to the book arts.

 

In 2004 we closed the workshops on a high note and moved to the South West of France.

 

We still continue binding and gilding, but we now put a lot of effort into helping others find their way into the crafts.

 

 

 

EVERY MONTH I SEND OUT A NEWSLETTER WHICH AIMS TO BRING YOU INTERESTING ITEMS CONCERNING THE WORLD OF GILDING AND RELATED CRAFTS. IF YOU WOULD CARE TO SUBSCRIBE PLEASE JUST MAIL Richard at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 
 
edenworkshops
 
Hi there, I've been browsing your wonderful website and I can't wait to have a go at some of the techniques you explore on there. Your manuals are definitely the best Iv'e found on the internet. 
Seb Dale 
  
I just want to salute your generosity in giving away your gilding knowledge. Excellent guide books,  I was not able to find such a simplified explanation in any book at the local library. 
Ghassan Haddad 
  
After looking at various sites and suppliers on the net, your site is just wonderful - clear, accessible, descriptive and demystifying. Thanks so much for making your knowledge available! Liz 
 
You did a brilliant job of mentoring me through my project, it turned out very well, I am extremely happy with the results.
Brendon
 
Your manuals are excellent. I easily worked my way through your gilded manuscript project and the result is now framed and hanging in my living room. Thank you.
Pauline