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| Source: IAMM. The Islamic Bookbinding exhibition runs till the end of the year. |
The art of book binding was not only concentrated in refining the design of the covers but also focused on other elements such as the doublure (inner cover) and the flap, a feature associated specifically with Islamic bindings.
Books in the exhibition are both bound and unbound. Some are kept in wooden boxes, wrapped in leather, or bound in codex form. Covers are typically of leather, lacquerwork or textiles as well as mediums such as metal and precious gems. There are also additional housings such as boxes, pouches and slipcases.
In conjunction with the exhibition, IAMM has also organised a workshop on Islamic bookbinding intended primarily for conservators, from 24 to 28 July 2017. The Workshop on Islamic Bookbinding: Understanding book structures and bindings of Islamic Manuscripts by Dr Karin Scheper will show attendees how manuscripts were bound in the Islamic world, focusing on the predominant structure but also explaining region-specific characteristics and varieties, and the strengths and functionality of the bookbinding method.
Dr Scheper is a leading authority on the subject, having carried out research on the Leiden University collection of Islamic manuscripts while working, at the same time, as a conservator at the University Library. Her book, The Technique of Islamic Bookbinding (Brill 2015), won her the 2017 De la Court – award of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
The workshop will consist of both theoretical and practical components and covers the composite structure and use of materials that will be beneficial for conservation, the development of conservation strategies and the preparation of bound manuscripts for exhibitions. Under the guidance of Dr Scheper, attendees will make a model of a bound manuscript, allowing them to practice original techniques of sewing, end-banding and covering a text block.
Interested?
Islamic Bookbinding
Special Gallery 2
IAMM
10am to 5pm (Ramadhan); 10am to 6pm (after Ramadhan)
Till 31 December 2017 - the museum will be closed for the Eid al Fitr holidays from 24 to 27 June.
The workshop has a limited number of places for conservators, and early registration is advised. Register
A special catalogue to commemorate this exhibition is available at the museum shop.