Book Binding help

[nick daring]

I've searched around but can't find information on how the high relief covers of old bibles are put together.

Here are few examples of what I mean.

I can't think of a good way that they could quickly get that deep routered edge look look into the cover.

The intricate designs are done through a pressure process but I can't find any info on how to do the big angular cuts.

Was it carved into wood then covered with leather?

Nick

 

[Chiok]

I would say that it was carved into wood, and then covered in leather! Wet sheep's skin takes to shaping quite well, and with enough pressure from a negative former will form over the relief when dry. Maybe carve the shape you want, make a plaster cast of it, wet leather stretched over the wood, press the plaster cast down on top and apply pressure with weight.

Then I guess glue it down and poke it in the corners. That last picture you posted has such sharp internal corners, that must have taken ages to do. Is very pretty though.

 

[Risu]

I love the process of binding a book. I've never tried anything that complex, but I'd agree with what's been said. Probably wet molded onto wood. You could probably work in tight corners like that with a bone folder, but to get it looking really nice you'd probably have to do a lot of work to the back of the leather with a v-gouger (sp?) in the really detailed corners. Good luck with it.

 

[nick daring]

Damn. I was hoping there was magic trick that I wasn't thinking of.

I guess it's just hard as I was imagining.

Nick