Wednesday’s women bookbinders

I was most surprised to find that there is little information about  women bookbinders before 1900s; although women were possibly employed for mending and sewing books; particularly after the pages had been folded and sections ‘gathered’ or put together in sequence.  This absence of tradeswomen in this growing trade was, it seems orchestrated by the Unions and the employers.  They conveniently believed  that women were not capable of some of the tasks

However,  it does seem that a handful of talented women workers were able to make a career out of their labours, for example Miss Woolrich, Miss Philpot, Miss MacColl, Miss Alice Pattinson, and Miss Maude Nathan.

It was not until the late 19th and early 20th century that women were seen working as bookbinders.  Whilst there was the opportunity to study bookbinding and have private tuition it was a costly option.  

Some women were able to earn a living while learning ‘on the job’ ; therefore getting a more rounded experience. Although within certain limits; especially in small workshops .where there may only be one or two binders able to give training for a limited time.  Nonetheless the women would see a variety of work.  They would learn to work quickly, using tools and materials effectively with one eye on the profitable return.  

Sarah Prideaux suggests in Modern Bookbinding ; their design and decoration that woman must be strong enough to undertake the long hours stood at the bench, also be able to concentrate and have sureness of hand.  Besides which, she should have imagination and good taste; a note of individuality but without eccentricity.

Prideaux goes on to say some properly trained women can do as well as men in the workplace.  But adds that there is no room in the marketplace for poorly trained workers; male or female.  Therefore a woman looking for a lucrative and stable employment must be sure of her ability.

She says however if a woman needs only to make a small addition to the family income and is willing to incur the cost of training, plant and realise the experimental nature of the undertaking, then binding may be recommended as a sufficiently pleasant occupation.  

I hoped to find some bindings in our collections undertaken by a woman bookbinder but unfortunately unless a binding is signed then we have no way of telling who the binder is; male or female. Fortunately I did come accross this work by Sarah Prideaux who was a bookbinder, teacher, writer, and collector of fine bindings that gives me a platform to learn from. I would value any more information about women in the the book binding business.