The Russian bibliophile
- Leonid's smallest book is 50mm in height
- Over 40 years he has created around 200 typeface sets
- He is a cofounder of the Russian Union of Bibliophiles
Leonid Kolpakhchiev came to bookbinding unintentionally. Back in the Soviet era, when he was working as a graphic designer for the Lensoviet Palace of Culture in St. Petersburg, a colleague asked Leonid for help. They had discovered some precious books in a wastepaper pile and did not have the heart to just send them to be recycled. Leonid's bond with bookbinding was immediate and strong. He went on not only to restore old books for the Russian National Library and the St. Petersburg Ecclesiastical Academy, but also to create elaborate book covers to order, using exotic skin, leather stamping and metal embossing. Since 2000, Leonid has also been making miniature books to nationwide acclaim; around 80 of his creations are now part of the Library In a Suitcase display at the Russian Lefty Museum in St. Petersburg.
Interview
- What attracted you to bookbinding?
- After the downfall of the USSR people were voracious for books. Not only the content but the quality was important, and I was thrilled to respond to that booming enthusiasm. Indeed, making books is much more rewarding than drawing propaganda slogans.
- How tough was it in the beginning?
- Back in the USSR even quality paper was in short supply, let alone any equipment. And if the authorities discovered printing tools at your place, you’d risk jail; it would be assumed that you used them to print banned literature.
- How did you put your graphic design experience to use?
- I actually drew most of my typefaces by hand. Yes, 200 typeface sets sounds like a lot but as one of my favourite sayings goes, you never know what you can do until you try. And it took almost 40 years!
- Which books you are especially proud of?
- One of them is definitely the anthology of works by the fabulous early 20th century artist and book illustrator Mikhail Solomonov. We discovered more than 400 of his long lost works and published them for the first time. We rescued a true talent from unfair oblivion!
Leonid Kolpakhchiev is a master artisan: he began his career in 1990 and he started teaching in 1995
Where
Leonid Kolpakhchiev
