B. E. Hoffman
Fort Worth, Texas
Hoffman first began bookbinding at the Craft Guild of Dallas in the mid-1990s. She returned to the craft eight years ago at Books ‘n Letters Studio, where she continues to work and study. She restores Bibles, historical ledgers, and other volumes for individuals and organizations.
Example Binding:
Wendell Berry,
Sabbaths 2006.
Monterey, Kentucky: Larkspur Press, 2006.
Sewn boards binding, French link stitch on tapes. Covered with black cloth on spine and purple tweed cloth on the boards. Marbled endpapers. Gold stamped title.
Design Description:
The inspiration for this design is a combination of the initial letter M in the author’s surname and this quotation from his preface to The Restoration of Leather Bindings: "Experience, intelligence, and imagination must be combined if the work of the restorer is to be successful."
A large graphic M signifies Middleton's last name and his long, productive, and influential career. The quotation cited above is blind embossed within the M: the words contained within the letter represents Middleton's wealth of knowledge that he generously shares with the bookbinding community. Various fonts and sizes are used to provide emphasis, but all are blind embossed to keep these in the background. The small red diamond symbolizes his success as a binder and restorer as well as a teacher of fine binding. It also implies that success is not attained until you build upon the tenets he presents, precept by precept. As a reference book, the volume should open flat and stay open hands-free during use. For these reasons, I have chosen a contemporary sewn-boards binding done on tapes with link stitch for strength. Harmitan leather in black and yellow were selected because there are few absolutes (no black and white) in restoration. Red is used as an accent color to signify success and the joy of binding. Sewn boards binding, link stitch on tapes, full leather cover in yellow and black Harmitan with small accents of color. Title is stamped in foil. The endpapers are hand decorated paper by Nan Kirby. Edges are yellow with black sprinkle.
