About Us

stablished in 1981, the Bookbindery was originally located in the basement of Muckross House, where visitors could see the binders at work and customers could meet them to discuss their needs. Over the years restrictions on facilities and space hindered expansion and so, in 2001, nineteen years after the initial workshop opened, we were delighted to relocate to a custom-built conservation bookbindery 100 metres from Muckross House.

Incorporating an open plan layout, traditional bookbinding equipment sits alongside modern computers and digital photography, 20 cwt book presses from the 1900's utilise modern bondina lining and acid free boards. The basic equipment remains unchanged from that used by handbinders of the 18th century classic Dublin bookbinding era.

A wet room complete with wash sinks, drying racks, light table and solvent venting chamber, all housed in a controlled environment assist the washing and de-acidification of delicate materials.

Over the years we have continued to train binders in all the traditional skills, with the emphasis on conservation binding. As well as bookbinding, our Paper Conservator can advise and execute operations on archival and delicate paper based substract.

Affiliation with institutions, such as the Institute of Paper Conservation, designer bookbinders, regular attendance at relevant new technology courses and seminars, internships in the conservation department, Trinity College Dublin, help keep our staff up to date with current trends.