Embroidered binding

Embroidered binding, also referred to as needlework or textile binding, describes a book bound in textile, decorated with a design on both covers created for the individual book.[1][2]

Early 17th century embroidered binding on the Folger Shakespeare Library's copy of STC 2943

History

Embroidered bindings were produced by professional as well as amateur embroiderers or needle workers.[3]

Examples of embroidered bookbindings are known throughout England and Europe from the 13th century to the present, and were most popular in England during the first half of the 17th century.[2] These bindings were most often created for prayer books, Bibles, devotional texts, and as presentation copies for clergy or the Royal family.[1]

Designs

Designs include flowers and foliage, sacred emblems or royal portraits,[3] arabesque, heraldic, or figural elements.[2] "The most common designs were Old Testament scenes featuring Adam and Eve, Moses and Aaron, Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, or David playing his harp, and New Testament scenes and figures of the saints. There were also allegorical figures, such as Peace and Plenty or Faith and Hope, flora and fauna, and heraldic subjects. The use of portraits came into fashion in the 17th century. Initials and coats of arms were added to personalize the work." [1]

Materials

Materials utilized to create embroidered bindings included linen, colored silk or metallic thread, pearls and sequins used in decorating canvas, silk, velvet or brocade covers.[2] "The cloth was embroidered separately before it was glued or stitched to the boards of a ready bound book; embroidered covers do not form part of the binding structure." [1]

  • Folger Shakespeare Library's V.a.94. A velvet and embroidered binding by Esther Inglis (?), ca. 1608. Red velvet over pasteboard, decorated with silver thread embroidery and seed pearls. Silver clasp.
  • Folger Shakespeare Library's STC 11317. An English embroidered silver wire binding, ca. 1613. Woven silver wire over millboards with silk embroidery.
  • Folger Shakespeare Library's STC 2689 copy 1. A binding of embroidered white satin featuring David holding Goliath's head, ca. 1639. White satin over pasteboards, embroidered in colored silks and silver spangles.
  • Folger Shakespeare Library's STC 2689 copy 2. Mid 17th-century English embroidered binding with floral bee design and gauffered edges.
  • Folger Shakespeare Library's STC 23082 copy 6. Early 17th century English embroidered binding with initials.
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References
  1. Marks, Philippa. "English embroidered bookbindings". British Library. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  2. Greenfield, Jane (1998). ABC of bookbinding. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press. p. 133. ISBN 1884718418.
  3. Carter, John (2004). ABC for book collectors (8th ed.). New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press. p. 91. ISBN 1584561122.
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