Some people have a passion for travel, while others fitness, cars or cookery. Then there are those who’d rather spend a day in the hills than a day spending a fortune in town.

I, on the other hand, love books. I’m a self-proclaimed book nerd. And proud of it. But since you’re here, I’m guessing you’d rather I tell you everything I’ve learnt about binding books – bookbinding is my pastime, but it’s also my passion and profession.

My background is in graphic design, mainly in books and longer publications. I was self-taught in bookbinding and found I was actually enjoying it a bit too much when I won a QEST scholarship – this coveted accolade gave me the opportunity to study alongside master bookbinders and conservation experts in the UK, US, and beyond. QEST was followed on by support from Heritage Crafts, which meant more dedicated study time with incredibly skilled binders. All of which culminated with being accepted as a Licentiate of Designer Bookbinders in 2024. 

So my profession began in the publishing world as a book designer. Then I stumbled upon a tutorial on how to bind a basic book. I loved it – I’d found something I was pretty good at. After heaps of practice I realised this is what I wanted to do professionally, forever. I’ve never looked back.

I’m fascinated by the engineering of books and have an almost obsessive desire to learn and understand new structures.

I work out of a small studio on the idyllic Scottish island of Iona, (if you’ve never been, I highly recommend it; it is, amongst other things, the birthplace of the Book of Kells) where I’ve lived for over 10 years now. Iona’s landscape – its natural colours of sand sea and rocks – are a huge inspiration to me.

There’s more to binding a book than you might think. The type and style of binding depends on the needs of the customer – contact me for full details. It can be as simple as saddle-stitching (basically stitching the pages together), or as complex as you wish it to be. It may be a sentimental yet worn and beloved book; a book on your family history; a favourite novel that’s seen better days… anything is possible.