Traditional Techniques, Unexpected Expressions: Hannah Brown [An Open Book]
A Glimpse Into Hannah Brown's World of Textiles, Metals and More
Hi fellow binder!
We love bookbinding ideas that blend traditional techniques with different artistic materials and methods. There's something special about witnessing age-old crafts incorporated into modern works in new, innovative ways.
Hannah Brown is a prime example of a bookbinder who merges traditional skills with non-traditional elements.
At her Somerset studio, she produces one-of-a-kind pieces through creative experimentation. Whether incorporating embroidery, metalwork or woodwork, she imbues each binding with unique visual interest and textural elements.
Enjoy our ‘Open Book’ questions with Hannah, below. A visual feast that’s sure to inspire you! Make sure to check out the links in this post for more details behind the featured books.
COURSE ALERT! Hannah will be teaching a bookbinding course at Dillington House in Somerset: Embroidery Techniques on Leather for Bookbinding. From Monday 4th September to 6th September. Learn more here.
An Open Book
Can you tell us about yourself in a nutshell: who are you? Where are you based? And what is your signature style if you could summarise it in a few words?
I’m Hannah Brown, a bookbinder working from my home studio in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, where I’ve lived since 2017. I am a recently elected Fellow of Designer Bookbinders, specialising in fine bookbinding and other bespoke commissioned works with a focus on embroidery. I favour materials and techniques traditionally used in bookbinding, such as leather, paper, gold leaf and gold tooling. As I have a crafts background, I am also keen to incorporate alternative skills into my work, including metalwork, textiles, printmaking and woodwork.