The Story of a Craftsman
Reflections at the Binder's Bench
My approach to bookbinding is shaped by a rich, interdisciplinary path across traditional crafts and historical preservation.
As a teenager working in a craft store, I fell in love with paper. Gathering discarded scraps of patterned paper, I developed a passion for collage and paper engineering, a curiosity that eventually evolved into a paper-sculpting technique I exhibited in galleries and museums.
My passion for preservation deepened while working as a certified custom picture framer. There, I learned the precision of matting, color framing, and repairing woodwork.
Later, as a jeweler’s assistant on Philadelphia's historic Jeweler’s Row, I immersed myself in the alchemy of finishing metal, pulling wax molds, and applying patinas while learning alongside master craftspeople.
My time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art instilled a deep reverence for the unseen, intricate workings of cultural institutions. That perspective expanded further during my years working with antique dealers and rare book sellers, joining them on long drives to unassuming locations, sifting through boxes and auction catalogs in search of forgotten treasures.
Later, at the Historical Society of Philadelphia, I spent cold days in climate-controlled archives, handling rare pamphlets and centuries-old tomes.
Each of these experiences forms the foundation of my work today. I am profoundly grateful to the craftsmen who shared their knowledge with me, and to my clients who entrust me with their cherished books and memories, allowing me to practice the craft I love every day.
Thank you.
The Binder Behind the Books
My passion for bookbinding began at twelve years old, sparked by a passage in a beloved novel. Reading about the craft turned into a lifelong calling dedicated to preserving history, craft, and personal memories.
Over the past decade, I have formally trained and honed my skills under respected masters in the field:
2014–2016: Studied Illustration and Book Arts at University of the Arts
2018–2019: Apprenticed under David Donahue at David Donahue Book Restorations (Repair My Book)
2020–2025: Studied under Master Bookbinder Samuel Feinstein
2026: Earned a Graduate Diploma with Distinction in Conservation of Books and Library Materials from West Dean College
Present: Currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Conservation of Books and Library Materials at West Dean College
In late 2019, I transitioned to full-time freelance bookbinding and restoration. I founded The Book Restoration Bindery in Haddonfield, NJ in November 2021, and relocated the workshop to Philadelphia, PA in 2024.
At the core of my practice is a commitment to honoring traditional techniques while safeguarding the physical historical record for future generations.
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