Maker's bio

I've always been slightly obsessed with books...though not the reading type, but the empty ones...the dusty old journal, those marbled edged Victorian ledgers, the ageing leather notebook or the beautiful sketch pad. A constant sketcher, I still carry around a pencil and pad, happily losing myself drawing (instead of finger tapping a smart phone). As bookmaker (I don't call myself a binder) I recently fell heavily for leather work, a new apprenticeship almost. After spending substantially more than the much talked about "10,000 hours" on embossing (repoussé) soft metals, I felt it time for a fresh challenge. I started at the basement level and repeated what I did 24 years ago when I picked up my first sheet of metal to shape into a book cover. I presented my work for sale since the beginning and in this world of the cheap/mass produced, I've realised there is still a small place for the individual, the actual unique 'one of a kind' piece. I carry no airs and graces and never over-precious about my work. I simply makes books. I’m looking forward to teaching. Kindest Regards, Will Phoenix