Lecture by Michael Greer on “Breathing Life into a Dying Art: Bookbinding in the Age of the Kindle”

Lanie Hubbard Announcement
Location
North Carolina, United States
Subject Fields
Social Sciences, Communication, Literature

The JLMH is proud to present a lecture by Michael Greer on “Breathing Life into a Dying Art: Bookbinding in the Age of the Kindle and Shutterfly” on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 7 pm at the Visitors Center of the Joel Lane Museum House at 160 South Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Admission is $16 for the general public and $11 for members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, and advanced payment is required. Please call 919-833-3431 or go to the Eventbrite web site to purchase tickets. Be sure to include the names of all in your party; nametags will serve as tickets. Tickets are non-refundable unless we must cancel the event.

Michael Greer, bookbinder and owner of Leatherbound Book Works, will discuss how he became a bookbinder and what he is doing to remain relevant practicing an ancient technology in a very modern world. While living and teaching in Morocco, Michael made a chance visit to a bookbinder that led to a ten-month apprenticeship and ultimately a new business. Master binder Abdelfetah Rahali worked for more than forty years in the once thriving shop and was preparing to retire without passing on his knowledge. By watching, reading technical manuals and practicing on his own books, Michael learned the trade. He continues to hone his skills as he figures out how to bring traditional leather bindings into people’s homes.

 

Michael taught for 14 years both in the United States and abroad before setting up shop as a bookbinder in his basement in Durham. He now runs a bindery that specializes in turning electronic documents into fine leather bound books.

 

Contact Information
Contact Email
joellane@bellsouth.net