Exhibition: Lovely showcase of contemporary bookbinding at Aram Gallery

Bookbinding is one of those skills I wish I possessed (see also basic butchery and intermediate chandlery). A new show at London’s Aram Gallery which opens next week shines a light on this world, but does so by combining the past and the present to terrific effect. Beautiful Readable Objects showcases nine books bound by members of the Tomorrow’s Past collective, which is dedicated to making contemporary conservation bindings for damaged antiquarian books. Through both sensitive design and tremendous technique, these bibliophiles preserve the books for future generations while staying true to their former glories.

More than a celebration of bookbinding, this show also promises to explore issues of sustainable design and thoughtful conservation in a cutting-edge context. Lovely stuff.

Beautiful Readable Objects runs from November 22 until January 17, 2014.