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University and City Library of Cologne

The bookbindery

© Photo: Karla Rosenplänter

The bookbinding trade has a centuries-old tradition and is listed in the national register of intangible cultural heritage in Germany. The profession has always combined craftsmanship with artistic design.

 

The team

Our core team consists of three master bookbinders who have been working together since 2002 - supported by two trainees. The workshop is managed by Freya Hunold, while Andrea Odametey and Cordula Matthews are responsible for training. Together we stand for quality craftsmanship and many years of experience.

 

Craftsmanship and quantity processing

The bookbindery of the University and City Library of Cologne (USB) has probably existed since the library was founded in 1920. Today, the focus of our work is on the preservation and maintenance of the library's historical holdings. This includes repairs, restorations, the incorporation of entire collections and the protection of valuable books and materials. The workshop has developed special protective containers, work processes and routines for the conservation treatment of large collections. Books that are being prepared for exhibitions - inside or outside the USB - also pass through our workshop for professional restoration. We are also involved in teaching craft techniques: Every year, the bookbindery offers practical workshops for children as part of the KinderUni. A special project is the so-called annual editions: In twenty years, the workshop has designed and hand-bound 17 annual editions for the Kölnische Bibliotheksgesellschaft (Friends of the USB).

 

Education

The workshop has been training bookbinders specializing in one-off and custom-made products since 2003. The hallmark is the high professional competence of the trainers, who have themselves won prizes in international bookbinding competitions through their private commitment. Over the years, they have passed on their excellent craftsmanship and design skills to 15 trainees. The training covers current and historical bookbinding techniques, custom-made products such as portfolios, boxes, cassettes and albums. Repair and restoration techniques for modern and historical collections are taught. A variety of design techniques are also taught.
Our trainees have repeatedly won awards at the annual International Book Binding Competition for trainees from Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

 

Prices

Our trainees often receive awards for their great skills. An overview of these successes can be found here: Awards

 

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