Malene Lerager

Co'libri

Bookbinder

©Malene Lerager

Bound to tradition

Malene describes her work as old school with a twist
She combines old fashion techniques with modern graphic and colour matches
She learned her craft from Ole Olsen

Malene Lerager continues the heritage of Danish hand bookbinding in the Co’libri bindery workshop, which is located in an ancient building close to Copenhagen Cathedral. “In the 1970s, Danish bookbinders were very well known around the world. Ole Olsen, from whom I learned all the secrets of the craft and took over the business, held many exhibitions in Switzerland, New York and around the world. But the craft has almost disappeared. Many people don’t even know that it exists anymore.” Malene works on her own, and executes every step of the process using old tools and machinery that belonged to her master. “I strive to live up to my talented predecessors and still love the process of learning.” She is also one of the very few bookbinders to create limited editions of new published books.

Interview

©Malene Lerager

©Malene Lerager

How did you come across this time-honoured craft?: At a bookbinding course at my technical school. I was so excited that I took the same course twice! After that, I studied at the workshop of the Royal Library, and later at the Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona. I also managed to get an apprenticeship at the Ahrenkiel Bogbinderi.
Where did you do your training?: Here at Co’libri. Ole Olsen, one of the best bookbinders in Denmark, was my teacher. He was in his early seventies, and I managed to stay with him for three years before he passed away. Luckily it was his wish that I would take on the business and continue it.
When did you start your own business?: I took over Co’libri in 2009. It can be challenging to have to take care of the commercial side of the business as well as the making. But I love working on my own in this special place. When you come into my workshop, it’s like stepping into a time capsule.
What type of binding do you create?: I mainly do half-leather binding with gold embossing and etching, and marble paper. Very traditional actually, because that’s what my customers generally want. I work a lot for private collectors, who know that I will do the binding that is most suited for their book.

Malene Lerager is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2004