Andreia Tibério dos Santos

Bookbinder

A family on a mission

Andreia describes herself as a book caretaker
Her work reflects both her love of tradition and her desire to experiment
She dreams of creating a bookbinding foundation to keep this art alive

Arte no Livro workshop has been located in Cascais, a beautiful seaside city near Lisbon, since 2014. Andreia and her father Fernando still use the bookbinding techniques taught by her grandfather, Mestre Victor Luiz dos Santos, who was recognised in 2005 by Portugal’s president as one of the finest bookbinders and gilders in the country. They perceive their art as all-encompassing, with many meticulous steps necessary before they can actually work on the book cover itself. “We must be in tune with the content, the author and the owner of the book,” Andreia says. This is a family on a mission to safeguard and pass on the traditional techniques of bookbinding and gilding, while contributing to the craft through research and experimentation.

Interview

How did you end up following in your grandfather’s footsteps?: I studied and worked in management and communication for 16 years but spent my free time learning bookbinding with my grandfather. It felt magical, as if those books were sending me a message. The scent of the studio was so comforting. I just knew it was my destiny.
What specific techniques did your grandfather pass on to you?: I was fortunate to learn everything the traditional way. He taught me how to use a paring knife, age and paint leather by applying oxalic acid or iron sulphate, make glue using flour, and gild and engrave using pure gold leaf. I learned how to gild the edges of the text block from my father.
What drives you to continue this work?: Every time I finish binding a book and it turns out as I imagined. I remember once, I was still learning how to gild on the spine of a book and I heard my grandfather softly tell my father: “She is talented”. He was very demanding so his words meant a lot.
How do you bring innovation into your work?: My craft requires mastering knowledge, so I follow the tradition of classic binding. Innovation is present in the ways in which resources are used, and our interpretation. We also research and experiment with new materials, and are always excited to see the results.

Andreia Tibério dos Santos is a master artisan: she began her career in 2004 and she started teaching in 2016