Barnes’ Reader Clamshell

Clamshell Enclosure
Barnes' New National Reader
No. 5

About the Project

Some books just need a little love and protection.

This is a project that has been years in the making. My client reached out to me about two years ago, asking to restore their beloved family book. Originally published in 1883, it belonged to their Grandmother and had been passed down through the generations. 

As was typical of a book this age, and very loved, there were clear signs of degradation. Page edges were a bit worn, with tears here and there; the covers had separated, held only by a thread – nothing out of the ordinary. The client wished to restore and preserve it to its original state someday, but needed to give it some sort of protection without jeopardizing it further.

I then brought up the idea of a Clamshell Enclosure, and they loved it. So, I began work right away. Using the book as my base measurements, I accommodated for the thickness of the cover material, bookcloth, and boards to create this custom enclosure for their family book.

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Process

Clamshell Enclosure

Clamshell Enclosure
A Pima Remembers

About the Project

Sometimes we’d like to have custom work done on a treasured book in our library, however, that may not be the best way forward. A clamshell enclosure is a bedrock expression in the fine binding world and I am excited to begin offering it as a viable option. 

This project came about simply because I desired to expand my horizons and better serve my clientele. Over the years, I’ve been asked to work on many books. However, there have been some people that I had to refuse and refer to a more capable binder—depending on the needs of the project—and I’ve often thought to myself that a clamshell or slipcase would’ve been the perfect answer.

So, I began experimenting! I own a good assortment of books on bookbinding and pieced together the techniques that fit my style and needs. Additionally, I leaned on my dear friends in the bookbinding world, all of whom were so kind and thoughtful in their responses to my questions.

The project turned out to be a huge success, with many lessons and notes I can take into my future work in this arena. With practice I know I will not only improve but I can help more people/collectors in the wider community.

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