Beautiful handmade books
All of our books are meticulously handmade, right down to folding the paper and sewing the text blocks. We use traditional bookbinding methods to create books that are beautiful and made to last.
Photograph Mark Cocksedge
Seagull Bindery
"I have been drawn to beautifully bound books since I was a child. The variety of structure and design, even the smell of the paper, fascinates me. I love the stories that come with restoration commissions. Each scribble and mark hints to a book's journey and it is a privilege to be part of that journey.”
Philippa East - Seagull Bindery
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Whether it’s a well-paged paperback or an ancient leather-bound volume, if it means something to you, it’s worth looking after. Applying conservation-based techniques, designed to protect the authenticity of the object, we can help to extend the life-expectancy of your treasures.
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If there isn’t anything suitable in our shop, email us to discuss a bespoke binding project. We have a huge range of fabulous papers, cloths and leathers to make the perfect personalised sketchbook, journal or photograph album for you or a special someone.
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If you like the idea of making your own beautiful book, in an idyllic setting, then get in touch. We offer 1-1 or small group workshops of up to three people in our studio in Iden, East Sussex. You will spend the day with Philippa going through the foundations of artisan binding, and come out with a beautiful creation! This is a very friendly, relaxed experience that is suitable for absolute beginners.
Shop
Our notebooks are, beautifully designed and expertly crafted by hand.
A beautiful landscape format watercolour book containing 48 pages of Bockingford 300 gsm in three colours (white/pale green/ pale blue). Hand sewn on tapes, this is a lay-flat design with a sturdy case bound in hand blocked Italian paper and neutral linen.
A beautiful landscape format watercolour book containing 48 pages of Bockingford 300 gsm in three colours (white/pale green/ pale blue). Hand sewn on tapes, this is a lay-flat design with a sturdy case bound in stunning hand-blocked Italian paper and neutral linen.
A beautiful landscape format watercolour book containing 48 pages of Bockingford 300 gsm in three colours (white/pale green/ pale blue). Hand sewn on tapes, this is a lay-flat design with a sturdy case bound in stunning hand-blocked Italian paper and neutral linen.
Bespoke Bookbinding
If there isn’t anything suitable in our shop, email us to discuss a bespoke binding project. We have a huge range of fabulous papers, cloths and leathers to make the perfect personalised sketchbook, journal or photograph album for you or a special someone.
Wedding Guest Books
Bespoke guest books and photograph albums make a fantastic and unusual gift for weddings and other occasions. Foiled lettering can be added for a more personal touch. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Kind words
Philippa is passionate about her craft and as a result of patient and hands on teaching, the most difficult thing on the day is deciding which combination of amazing materials you will choose!
Helen Tanner
"The day I spent with two friends, learning the basics of bookbinding, was one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever had. The studio is beautifully laid out, ready for Philippa’s students to get on with making their own book in just a few hours.”
Lou Hodgson