The Book Restorer

The Book Restorer The Book Restorer is a book restoration and book binding service based in the heart of South Philadelphia.

Ruth began her book binding journey over 5 years ago when she moved to Philadelphia from England. She has worked at various establishments as a binder (bench trained), including a stint in the conservation laboratory at The American Philosophical Society. She now does work on a freelance basis for a number of universities and institutions in the city, as well as working with private clients locall

y and nationally. Ruth is also a long- standing active board member of The Delaware Valley Chapter Guild of Book Workers. When Ruth is not restoring books she's working in her studio and is an established local Philly artist.

Throwback Thursday!!!! In late 2019 through early 2020 I created this custom portfolio for “THE WISSAHICKON PROJECT’. Th...
01/19/2023

Throwback Thursday!!!! In late 2019 through early 2020 I created this custom portfolio for “THE WISSAHICKON PROJECT’. These humongous clamshell boxes, (hot stamped with silver foil) were to house these beautiful woodcut prints created by master printer Alexis Nutini for artist Sam Gilliam. More info below!!! What an honor and privilege it was to work on this and I don’t recall ever posting it.

‘THE WISSAHICKON PORTFOLIO PROJECT’ is a series of twelve woodcuts printed in 2019 in Philadelphia, PA as a collaboration of Brandywine Workshop and Archives .workshop and Dos Tres Press for artist Sam Gilliam on Somerset Satin, 500 gsm paper. Printed by Alexis Nutini in an edition of 10, with nineteen individual artist proofs and one bon-a-tirer set.

Weekend catch-up. Finishing up this magnificent genealogy gem.💎
11/20/2022

Weekend catch-up. Finishing up this magnificent genealogy gem.💎

Before and after photos of this sad looking cookbook. New bookcloth covers with gold letters stamped on the spine. Thank...
11/09/2022

Before and after photos of this sad looking cookbook. New bookcloth covers with gold letters stamped on the spine. Thanks to my intern .jpg_ for her expert color work on those end papers.

This project has been a long time in the works. A lifetime of research comprising a medical manuscript bound into two vo...
09/14/2022

This project has been a long time in the works. A lifetime of research comprising a medical manuscript bound into two volumes x 2. The original manuscript now lives in this clamshell box. I failed to photograph the marbled papers 🤦🏽‍♀️ but an earlier reel shows their installation. So thrilled with the results and what a privilege to be asked to work on this. ♥️

Finishing off this epic three volume set for Al Dia publications. ❤️
08/09/2022

Finishing off this epic three volume set for Al Dia publications. ❤️

Highlighting my amazing intern .jpg_ who made this clamshell box on a first try. I must have messed up so many clamshell...
07/29/2022

Highlighting my amazing intern .jpg_ who made this clamshell box on a first try. I must have messed up so many clamshells while learning but she got it straight away!!! Awesome work Nastassia!! 🎉 👏🙌🏼Happy Friday Everyone

06/14/2022

Putting color back into the corner of this big family bible.

A book full of measurements (my own) for box making.
06/09/2022

A book full of measurements (my own) for box making.

06/01/2022

Paring this Harmatan goat leather for a stack of magazines to be bound in 3 volumes. I used to dislike paring a lot but now I love it ❤️

All done repairing this beauty. A directory of Chinese Business Houses. Scroll for the before photos.
05/25/2022

All done repairing this beauty. A directory of Chinese Business Houses. Scroll for the before photos.

Occasionally I get to repair items in my personal possession. Here the wedding album of my grandparents. I found it in ...
03/01/2022

Occasionally I get to repair items in my personal possession. Here the wedding album of my grandparents. I found it in my grandmother's house the year before she died. My Mum was visiting me here in Philly from the UK recently and we were working on our family tree. Such a treat to preserve memories and history. I'll post pictures once this is repaired.

The first time in 5 years that I have spent some time updating my website in a meaningful way. Multiple tooth extraction...
04/08/2021

The first time in 5 years that I have spent some time updating my website in a meaningful way. Multiple tooth extractions and childcare has allowed me this time 😬🤣. Take a look if you have a minute, lots more projects and examples of my work to view. Very happy to hear constructive feedback. I'll be adding more throughout the week!!! 😊🌞🌺🌈

Address

Philadelphia, PA
19147

Telephone

+12159006052

Website

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