Most university theses are hardbound in strong washable cloth bindings with name, degree and year in gold upon the spine. Our standard time for binding is 2 working days, although we can offer a 24-hour service. 

Bring a print-out of this page to the bindery to qualify for a 5% discount on all thesis binding! (yes, it is an obvious marketing ploy, but it's still a good offer!)

 

 

 

 

Cloth bindings

Books that need strong practical bindings are often bound in cloth. We stock a variety of binding cloths in a wide range of colours. These bindings are frequently specified by libraries, colleges and universities for their hard wearing but economical qualities.

 

 

 

 

Leather bindings

A special book deserves a special binding, and there is no finer material for binding than the traditional leather offered by The Abbey Bookbindery. Calf leather complements the character of the antiquarian book perfectly. Truly beautiful finishes are possible in this most luxurious leather. For more modern books we recommend a goatskin such as Chieftain or Niger. These grained leathers are extremely strong and practical, yet, like calf, can be a joy to handle. However, this beauty is more than just skin deep. Each leather binding features an assortment of practical detail designed with ultimate longevity in mind. Top quality millboards are always used to protect the pages, which are sewn onto strong hemp cords. 23 carat gold is used to decorate the outside of the bindings, with magnificent hand-marbled paper catching the eye as the book is opened.

This combination of beauty and practicality ensures that a good book will remain a joy to possess for many generations.

 

 

 

 

Restoration

Although this kind of work is perhaps the most demanding duty we undertake it is by far the most rewarding. Ancient books can be brought back to life by methodically rebuilding torn or damaged pages. Fragile old leather and cloth can be dyed, fed and polished. We aim to preserve as much of the original binding as possible, thereby preserving the character and value of a cherished old book. New materials are chosen to blend with the old, and we try to hide our repairs as much as possible, leaving the finished book looking as though it had never needed repair in the first place!

 

 

 

 

Memorial books

All memorial books are built to the customer's specification - there are no "off the shelf" books. We will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a number of options to suit both your needs and your budget. All materials are bought in specifically for each project, ensuring that the unique books fit your requirements to the letter. We are frequently asked to provide memorial books for churches and cathedrals throughout the country, as well as producing numerous regimental albums.

 

 

 

 

Boxes and slipcases

When protection of your books is a high priority why not consider having them boxed? Boxes are and ideal way of preserving loose documents and ancient papers too fragile for binding. They can be made to look like books, and therefore can be a great way of hiding valuables out of the way on the bookshelf!

Our slipcases are custom-built to house the books, and can be covered in a variety of materials to complement the contents. The book is held inside with the spine visible, thus protecting the edges of the book from dust and sunlight.

Greater security is afforded by our two tray and solander boxes, which are also built specifically to fit the contents. Theses boxes can be constructed in many ways, but all of them offer complete protection for the books.