• Andrew preserves history as well as knowledge
• An encounter with another bookbinder influenced his craft
• A royal commission is a highlight of his career

Whilst working for a picture framer for an art gallery in Chester, Andrew Brown became acquainted with a bookbinder, whose bindery workshop he would visit whilst delivering the post. The unique scent of leather and wood, with top notes of coffee, would greet him on these visits, together with a relaxed and passionate craftsman, ultimately influencing his choice of taking up bookbinding as a profession. Working with his hands comes naturally to Andrew, who is most comfortable when creating and working three dimensionally. Drawing his inspiration from Philip Smith CBE, an artistic Bookbinder based in the UK, Andrew has honed his skills at sewing silk double end bands, also known as headbands, that sit at the head and tail of the spine as a decorative element, as well as the sanded leather technique known as ‘Lacunose’.