Toben Lewis

2019 QEST Howdens Scholar - Bookbinding
Argyll & Bute

Toben originally trained as a graphic designer in Canada. He later relocated to the remote island of Iona, on the western coast of Scotland and found his true passion, bookbinding. He takes inspiration from his surroundings, drawing from the natural hues and tones of the Scottish landscape to create his books, often using different materials and methods, making each of his projects distinctive.

His enjoyment of long format book design and layout has now been supplanted by a deep love of, and talent for, the physical act of binding books. He finds something deeply satisfying about turning loose sheaves of paper into a functional and attractive portable unit of knowledge and creativity.

With his QEST funding Toben undertook a series of bespoke training opportunities with some of the world’s finest bookbinders. This training enabled him to vastly expand his scope of knowledge and abilities in both bookbinding and book restoration. He currently runs a small bindery on Iona, working with private collectors, accepting design binding commissions and teaching bookbinding workshops.

I have always loved books. It brings me great joy to be able to create my own from raw materials, and to breathe new life into damaged ones.

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