[BKARTS] Publication Review: William Anthony Fine Binder, Lawrence Yerkes ed., Iowa City: University Libraries, University of Iowa, 2005.

["Peter D. Verheyen" <verheyen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Publication Review

William Anthony Fine Binder, Lawrence Yerkes ed., Iowa City: University 
Libraries, University of Iowa, 2005.

William "Bill" Anthony, was arguably one of the most influential 
bookbinders and conservators in the US, one whose impact cannot be measured 
by his work alone, but also by that of his legacy as demonstrated by all 
those he trained, many of whom are now leaders in the field in their own 
right. Lawrence Yerkes' forward and Helen Ryan's introduction to the 
catalog describe not only Anthony's life and work, but also the emotional 
bond they had with him and his spirit that touched so many.

Anthony began his life as a binder at the age of seventeen when he served a 
seven-year apprenticeship with his father in Dublin, Ireland, and later 
worked as a journeyman binder in London, UK, studying at the Camberwell 
College of Art and exhibiting with the Guild of Contemporary Bookbinders, 
the precursor organization of Designer Bookbinders. He emigrated to the 
United states in 1964 working first at the Cuneo Press in Chicago, and then 
partnering with Hungarian-born binder Elizabeth Kner, which he managed 
after her retirement as Anthony and Associates. The spectrum of his work 
was broad, encompassing edition binding, fine binding, and conservation.

To honor Anthony, the University of Iowa Libraries held a retrospective 
exhibition at the University of Iowa Museum of Art, April 15-July 31, 2005, 
in which not only the breadth and beauty of his creative work were shown, 
but also examples of his conservation treatments.  The catalog to this 
exhibition depicts 41 of Anthony's "fine bindings" which demonstrate his 
great technical skill and keen aesthetic sensibilities. While most of these 
works are executed in full leather with onlays, blind, and/or gold tooling 
there are also several examples of his work in vellum. While his background 
and training were English, it is clear from looking at Anthony's work that 
he studied, admired, and was influenced by the work of binders through 
Europe blending their ideas with his to develop his own timeless style. 
Throughout, his work is always technically and proportionately precise and 
polished. Also depicted are examples of some of his edition bindings and 
conservation treatments.

While the medium has changed dramatically over the past decades, away from 
traditional craft-based bookbinding to "artist's books" and more 
alternative structures, the skills and sense of design exemplified by 
Anthony's work remain as relevant as ever, even as aspects are slowly 
fading away because those with the skills to teach at this level are 
retiring and nor longer teaching ? and the time required to master them is 
hard to fit into today's world of non-linear cafeteria-style learning and 
weekend workshops, which have replaced the rigid apprenticeship models 
experienced by Anthony and his students, master craftsmen and artists in 
their own rights.

Beautifully designed by Julie Leonard and Sara T. Sauers, with photography 
by Jill Tobin, this catalog is a fitting tribute to Anthony and makes an 
exceptional addition to the reference collections of binders and bibliophiles.

The catalog can be ordered online from the University of Iowa Bookstore at 
<http://www.iowabook.com/wianfibi.html> for $39.95 + sh.


__________________________________

Peter D. Verheyen
Bookbinder & Conservator, PA - AIC
<verheyen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
The Book Arts Web & Book_Arts-L Listserv
<http://www.philobiblon.com>
The Bonefolder: an e-journal for the bookbinder and book artist
<http://www.philobiblon.com/bonefolder>

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