Classes: Leather Work • Book Binding • Metalwork

5.0 (106)

Hello, I’m Will Phoenix and I've always been slightly obsessed with books... though not the reading type, but the empty ones...the dusty old journal, the marbled-edged Victorian ledgers, the ageing leather notebook or the beautiful sketch pad. A constant sketcher, I still carry around a pencil and pad, happily losing myself drawing (instead of finger tapping a smart phone).

As a bookmaker (I don't call myself a binder) I recently fell heavily for leather work, a new apprenticeship almost. After spending substantially more than the much talked about "10, 000 hours" on embossing (repoussé) soft metals, I felt it time for a fresh challenge. I started at the basement level and repeated what I did 24 years ago when I picked up my first sheet of metal to shape into a book cover.

I have presented my work for sale since the beginning and in this world of the cheap/mass produced, I've realised there is still a small place for the individual, the actual unique 'one of a kind' piece. I carry no airs and graces and am never over-precious about my work. I simply make books. I’m looking forward to teaching. Kindest regards,

Will

Classes by Phoenix Handmade Books