Monique Wass Fine Art Bookbinding is a bespoke service for the creation of portfolios and other collaborative projects involving the traditional art of bookbinding.
Monique is a multidisciplinary artist and designer bookbinder with over 35 years experience in the field. Trained in the techniques used in the earliest Coptic books to how to use modern day materials innovatively.
Many of the tools Monique uses today have hardly changed since the 19th century, like her antique bookpress, and the hand tools and blocks she uses for lettering and gilding.
Monique studied Design Bookbinding at Brighton School of Art under the tutelage of Jenni Grey and then went on to hone her craft in London working for Book Works, a publisher and bookbinder of small edition, handmade artists’ books in Shoreditch, London. There she worked on books for some of Britain’s leading artists, including Tracy Emin, Sam Taylor Wood, Eve Arnold & David Bowie. Afterwards, she moved to The Wyvern Bindery in Clerkenwell. She was involved in making the spell books in the first three Harry Potter films. Her skills in working with leather extend beyond bookbinding. Monique made the leather chessboard that appears in the first Harry Potter film and has also made leather and gilded table tops for Paul Smith shops.
“As well as being an art work in its own right, a fine binding designer cover should respond to the text of the work inside. “
The Artist
Monique works from her home studio in the south of France where she lives with her husband, two daughters & cats Venus and Lucille.
The Philosophy
The studio is based on a bespoke and sustainable way of working. Every piece is handmade with care, love and precision. Your commission is a unique creation with a perfect balance of form and content.
Services
Take a look at the gallery and Monique’s Instagram page to see previous work and commissions or send an email with your ideas to discuss the piece you have in mind.