In the fall of 2020, I re-discovered a book in the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Queen’s University Library that would have a major impact on my life for the next three years. The book was entitled Illustrations of the British Paper Manufacture and contained 151 paper samples that were made by T.H. Saunders & Co. for the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The T.H. Saunders Project was formed, and exploration of the book produced two published papers and a host of presentations alongside Conservator Natasa Krsmanovic and my professor Rosaleen Hill.
Little did I know though, the T.H. Saunders Project would lead to something bigger. Friendships, confidence, and the simple, but always elusive feeling of pure joy. And these things turned into new paths and new opportunities. They opened connections with others through my Kress Fellowship and the many workshops I was able to attend on scholarship.
This binding is a modern homage to the 1855 T.H. Saunders paper sample book and speaks to my journey to today. To this end, I’ve included paper samples from many of the artists found in the book who I had an opportunity to meet or connect with over the past three years. I’ve also included samples from local Saskatchewan or prairie-based book and paper artists who have impacted my life and continue to impact it today. In this way, the samples act as a kind of time capsule.
Some of the featured “samples” in the book include papers from the following artists: Atelier Retailles, Awagami Factory, Martha Cole, Maia Donnelly, Kristina Komendant, Susan Kristoferson, Barbra Mader, Susan Mills, Morgan Conservatory, Gerda Osteneck, Brian Queen, Saint Armand, & Wookey Hole Mill.
Colophon:
Handmade organic linen bookcloth, decorative cover paper created from a micrograph of a Japanese Tenju-go tissue (100% kozo fibre taken at 10x magnification), Hahnemühle Ingres and Japanese Paper Place Chiyogami # 846 endpapers, bound at home on Treaty 4 lands in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Website/Social Media: https://www.burroakbookbinding.com/ or @burroakbookbinding on Instagram
Rag and Pulp Binding 