Serendipity and time travel – from the 18th century to 2024
7th July 2024, Debach Airfield, Clopton
I can’t quite believe the stroke of luck I experienced this afternoon. Having returned from a beautiful holiday in the Tuscan hills last night, I saw that there was a flea market taking place on the old World War II air base near the Bindery here in deepest Suffolk. I’ve visited this event once before and, to be honest, I expected very little as it’s a small and fledgling affair, but given the same can be said of my own business I decided to take a look. Although I established the Bindery only a couple of months ago, I have already found that engaging with my local community in Suffolk brings enough chance meetings and word of mouth introductions to make a real difference, so I always try and make the effort wherever possible.
Nevertheless, I’m a great believer in fate, although even I could not have imagined the scale of serendipity experienced as a bookbinder at the Clopton Runway Flea. There, on the very first table of the very first stall, nestled between rusty farm tools and blanched silverware, was a fully intact and perfectly preserved bookpress. On closer inspection I realised it was a true gem, the solid walnut wood boards were undamaged along with their original screw press arms and block nuts, one of which still retained the original leather surround designed to make it more comfortable to use. This was all the more remarkable given that the label informed me that the press dated from the late 18th century!
Incredible find though it was I knew not to get my hopes up just yet. The world of bookbinding has been a niche artisan trade since the mid 20th century when the automation of bookmaking at mass scale and the resulting loss of apprenticeships largely stopped the traditional trade in its tracks. As such, purpose made equipment for bookbinders remains extremely expensive even in 2024 – and that’s when the equipment is made new and from cheap materials. A genuine antique bookpress, especially of the large format I could see on the stall in front of me, is always going to be an expensive item.
Once more, the fates were with me, and yet again serendipity to the rescue. Noticing my interest in the piece the stall owner came over and on explaining that I’m a traditional bookbinder with a newly started bindery, a broad grin spread across his face. During the animated conversation which resulted he asked if I would put the press to its intended use. Given that I would, he waived any question of the asking price and said I must have it for an amount affordable for a new business and took my contact details as he was in need of book repair work. A fantastic deal was struck, and Aulwynd Bindery is now the proud owner of a rare and beautiful 18thcentury bookpress. So if anyone reading this is a small and fledgling business owner get out to your local events and make yourself known, it can really pay off!