Pete Wiltshire
I'm a professional self-employed bookbinder based in Winchester. I started training in 1999, doing a four year apprenticeship with my father Tim Wiltshire, who I worked for until 2007. During this period I also worked part-time for a paper conservator in Romsey, and for Richard Harshers, a trade bindery also in Romsey. In 2007 I set up a bindery in Petersfield which I ran for five years, before going into partnership with my father in 2012.
My work involves restoration and re-binding for libraries and collections which have included Winchester College, Windsor Castle, and Winchester Cathedral, as well as one-off projects for individuals. I use traditional hand binding techniques and materials, including gold leaf, leather, vellum, cloth, and hand-marbled papers.
I teach by demonstrating each process as we go along, and then guiding people individually. I like to let people work at their own pace as much as possible in a relaxed atmosphere.
Inspirations
I have been bookbinding professionally for fifteen years. I particularly like heavily embossed early English bindings from the late 1400s and early 1500s, as well as bindings from the restoration period through to the late 18th century.
I'm very interested in antique glass and furniture. When I get the time I enjoy restoring bible boxes and coffers. I also enjoy wood carving.
My work involves restoration and re-binding for libraries and collections which have included Winchester College, Windsor Castle, and Winchester Cathedral, as well as one-off projects for individuals. I use traditional hand binding techniques and materials, including gold leaf, leather, vellum, cloth, and hand-marbled papers.
I teach by demonstrating each process as we go along, and then guiding people individually. I like to let people work at their own pace as much as possible in a relaxed atmosphere.
Inspirations
I have been bookbinding professionally for fifteen years. I particularly like heavily embossed early English bindings from the late 1400s and early 1500s, as well as bindings from the restoration period through to the late 18th century.
I'm very interested in antique glass and furniture. When I get the time I enjoy restoring bible boxes and coffers. I also enjoy wood carving.