University Archives
& Special Collections

Douglas Cockerell Fine Binding Collection

COLLECTION DESCRIPTION | COLLECTION HISTORY | MAJOR SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Although the above lines of whimsy composed by British master bookbinder Douglas Cockerell were for the amusement of his friend and host at the time, William Inglis Morse, they provide insight into Cockerell's artistic principles and passions. An avid sailor, Cockerell loved being on the water. He was also a keen gardener. Yet his other passion--bookbinding--was often on his mind. His artist's eye was always on the outlook for inspiration from the world around him. A simple arch, an elaborate leaf pattern, the curve of a swimming fish, and many other images and forms from nature were skillfully rendered by Cockerell into his unique and often slightly organic binding designs. As well as creating beautiful designs, Cockerell insisted on harmony between his design, the book's content, the structure of the book, and the proposed use of the volume. The high standards of craftmanship and design achieved by Cockerell in his own work and which he passed on to his students and apprentices revived and revolutionized the art of modern bookbinding.

Douglas Bennett Cockerell (1870-1945) was born in Sydenham, England. Early indications definitely did not point to his future career as a master bookbinder, who would revolutionize modern bookbinding and be entrusted with rebinding some of England's most precious manuscripts. Cockerell hated school. His widowed mother decided real life experience might be his best schooling. At fifteen and with 5 British pounds in his pocket, Douglas was sent out to Canada to find his way. For the six years he spent in Canada, Cockerell first worked as a farm hand, then as a wool carder, and finally as a bank clerk. In 1891 Cockerell returned home to England with lots of life experience and a very clear idea of what he did not want to do for a living.

Back in England, Douglas was introduced to the book arts by his brother Sydney, the private secretary to William Morris of the Kelmscott Press. In March 1893, Douglas entered a four year apprenticeship with T.J. Cobden-Sanderson at the Doves Bindery in Hammersmith. From Cobden-Sanderson, Douglas learned the importance of combining quality materials with technical skill and creativity. Based on his research of older binding styles, his own design ideas, and his innovative approach to the technical aspects of handbinding, Cockerell developed his own distinctive style. His insistence on sound book structure and his unique combinations of simple forms to create eye-pleasing designs set new standards in bookbinding.

In 1897, Cockerell launched his own bindery in London and took up a teaching appointment at the London County Council Central School of Arts and Crafts. Except for the war years, Cockerell taught these continually until his retirement in 1935. As a textbook for his students, Cockerell wrote his influential bookbinding manual, Bookbinding and the Care of Books (1901). He would publish two other major works on bookbinding--Some Notes on Bookbinding (1929) and Bookbinding as a School Subject (1939). Through his publications, Cockerell was able to persuasively present his guiding principles for sound, creative, and responsible bookbinding. Indeed, he was able to start a revolution.

Throughout his long binding and teaching career, Cockerell constantly worked to improve and adapt the materials and techniques he used. Among his accomplishments were the introduction of higher quality African leather, the recognition of the superiority of alum-dressed leather, the establishment of principles for reliable conservation work, and the refinement of marbling techniques leading to the production of a consistent, high quality paper for endpapers.

In his essay entitled "Fine Bookbinding in England," published in The Art of the Book (London, 1914), Cockerell stated:

"Fine binding ... implies that the craftsman has done his best with the best materials. It may be plain or decorated, but whatever work there is should be the best of which the craftsman is capable."

Douglas Cockerell was a very capable craftsman. The Dalhousie University Libraries are very fortunate to be the repository of Cockerell's collection of inspiring 'old bindings' and to own twelve original Douglas Cockerell bindings. Each one is a worthy testament to Cockerell's artistry and skill--a delight to look at, to hold, and to open.