Bonding through bookbinding
- Tessa binds books, booklets and journals using traditional techniques
- She took over an atelier in Vevey at 24 years old
- Sharing her knowledge and passion is key to her work
Tessa Wymann loves to dive into complex, artistic designs, although simpler projects anchored in the tradition of bookbinding are her favourite. "Craft can take many different forms, including shared social experiences," she says. This idea is core to Tessa's vision, whose atelier is fully integrated in its town of Vevey in Switzerland. "It is important for me to keep bookbinding as accessible as possible for everyone, from people wanting to restore an heirloom to those looking for unique pieces," she explains. Teaching is also an important part of Tessa's work, as it allows her come out of her crafting bubble to share her knowledge with newcomers, old friends and curious creatives. She finds connections and collaborations to be a rich and vital part of bookbinding. "There is a special moment where everything falls together when we work with each other," says Tessa.
Interview
- What brought you to bookbinding?
- Even though I had never heard of this craft, I have always been creative. I carried books around everywhere. One day, I found an internship in an atelier in Montreux. It was such an anachronistic place, it felt like I was time travelling. I was fascinated and wanted to learn all about it.
- What was it like taking over an atelier at a young age?
- It was hard at first, but at 24 years old, I was full of ideas. I had seen the work, however I did not know how bookbinding is perceived and how it really works. I had to find my place, but most people had a positive reaction. It was exciting, engaging and stimulating.
- Do you teach your craft?
- It is really important to me that the craft is passed on. I want it to be a practice that exists, thrives and lives on. I love seeing all kinds of people come into my workshop. There is something about bookbinding that inherently invites the spirit of sharing.
- What advice do you have for those interested in bookbinding?
- I always share my experience with interns. I did not pick up the craft thinking of a career, because the field is not a secure one. I wanted to learn all there is to know anyway, and I wanted that knowledge to be with me forever, whether I could make a living out of it or not. If it happens, it is an amazing opportunity.
Tessa Wymann is a master artisan: she began her career in 2006 and she started teaching in 2014
Where
Tessa Wymann
