How We Got Our StartIn my youth, I always loved history especially the era of the American Revolutionary War and the times surrounding it. As an adult, I was able to pursue my love for that period and really experience it by reenacting the 18th century, and as many do, began to venture into the woods and attend events. The more I experienced, the more I yearned to record my adventures in the past by keeping a journal. Unfortunately though, I was unable to find a period correct journal in which to record my treks and colonial life experiences.
With my love for history and, having a degree in Printing Technology, I also studied printing history and bookbinding history for years. As such, I have amassed a considerable collection of old iron presses, handset type and bookbinding tools. With my collection of antiques, I realized that I could set out to learn this craft and make my own 18th century journal. Although surrounded by this historical collection, my studies were strictly academic. My initial knowledge was from a purely hands-off perspective. After attempting self study books, which easily mislead students, I knew that I needed to learn from skilled hands. I needed a Master Binder's knowledge. Luck would have it that in Dallas there was a craft guild that offered bookbinding instruction. This guild's bookbinding department was headed by a Master binder that focused on historic bindings. As her apprentice I studied for over 11 years, then studied a further 4 years under a second Master before I set out on my own. Now that I have turned my passion into a fulltime career, I consider myself a Journeyman of my trade, who endeavors to continuously study, experiment, and master each method commonly used in the 18th century. From binding techniques to recipes for pastes, leather dyes and gold tooling, they are all parts of my trade that come from the 18th century. |
Customers
Our satisfied customers span a very diverse collection of people and places. Sites such as Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello and many, many more fill the list. Custom work can be found in several major museums as items on tables or displays. Historic sites carry our wares in their gift shops as affordable souvenirs. Our work can also be seen 0n various TV series, documentaries and big budget Hollywood productions.
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