Thursday 27 August 2009

London love: Shepherd's Bookbinding

A few months ago, I was out for an evening in Mayfair. On the way home, I stumbled upon a traditional bookbinding shop, with the windows lit, and was transfixed. I had to find out more.

The shop was Shepherd's Bookbinding. As I peered through the windows, I could see rows and rows of pretty paper.



The shop uses traditional binding techniques and also restores books, and I would love to take one of their workshops.

It was these delicate Japanese Chiyogami papers in the window display which drew me in - the one with the birds just spoke to me, and has stayed in my mind ever since.

Paper photos via Shepherd's. All other photos via Flickr.

11 comments:

Rachel said...

This store is an absolute dream! All those beautiful racks of paper...

Amanda Nicole said...

Oh, I would just walk around running my grubby mitts all over everything. I would love to take a bookbinding class!

Unknown said...

This is my dream store..there are some many books I would love to re-bind..sigh

Cindy said...

this store looks like heaven! enjoy your weekend!

Lobster and swan said...

how much would I love to rummage around their paper collection! Lovely pictures.

Liz said...

Yay, I love Shepherd's! Every time I go I spend way too much money. They also sell loads more beautiful paper at their other branch (Falkiner's) in Holborn. I was lucky enough to tour their bindery, and they've got some beautiful beautiful stuff! So glad you like as well :).

Stella Jones said...

Yes, the bird paper is lovely. They are probably cranes. The Japanese have a love affair with cranes. You should look it up if you don't already know it. I think it goes something like "to compose your mind for life, you should use origami to make as many cranes as you can in one lifetime. You can give them to someone you love." Very romantic and delightful, just like the paper.
Blessings, Star

Unknown said...

Hi there! Just hopping around blogland and found your lovely blog. Thought I'd say hi!

Tamara said...

wow what an amazing place!

Lana {lanalou style} said...

Oh my word, I'd love to get lost in there, it looks amazing!!

Juniper said...

This shop looks like one I would be blissfully lost in for hours, what a selection! Wish we were closer to London. Love the Japanese prints you highlighted- each one is exquisite!