Sam Ellenport has been one of New England’s leading bookbinders for more than fifty years. After leaving a career in teaching, he trained at the historic Harcourt Bindery in Boston, later becoming its owner and helping preserve one of America’s great traditions of hand bookbinding. A past president of both the Society of Printers and the New England Guild of Book Workers, Sam has taught generations of craftspeople and played a key role in establishing the bookbinding program at North Bennet Street School. His work bridges the worlds of leathercraft, publishing, conservation, and the history of the book, making him uniquely qualified to share how leather has shaped the written record of human civilization.
We are delighted to welcome Sam to the Boston Leather Guild for an introduction to the art and craft of bookbinding. Many leatherworkers encounter bookbinding only in passing, yet it remains one of the most enduring and sophisticated applications of leather. Drawing on a lifetime of experience, Sam will introduce us to the fundamentals of the craft, explore the tools, materials, and techniques involved, and provide a glimpse into the rich traditions that have connected leather, books, and knowledge for centuries. Whether you’re simply curious about the field or wondering how to begin your own journey into bookbinding, this promises to be a fascinating and accessible introduction to a remarkable craft.