History of the Bindery
2007 - 2011 - OWL & LION Gallery
(Edinburgh, Scotland)
2010 - 2016 - OWL & LION Artisan Bindery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
2017 - Present - OWL & LION - 75 Mary Street, St Peters, Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
The Owl & Lion, based in the heart of Edinburgh City, was the first Artisan Bookbindery to open in the city for decades. With a select group of trained Bookbinders and Illustrators designing and producing bespoke hand bound books and original hand prints, our unique identity and skilled craftsmanship stood us apart from factory made products found on the high street.
Situated in the Grassmarket and West Port area of Edinburgh, the two workshops were home to a working bindery and print studio where all of the shop items were made. Alongside the shop, the bindery offered fine binding, conservation and repair services and ran the largest programme of bookbinding classes in Scotland and Europe.
There are workshops covering every stage from beginner to those needing more expertise. Our specialty is in working with various institution to plan and delivery workshops for their Education and Outreach programme.
Moving to Sydney, Australia in 2017, the Owl & Lion (Isabelle) is now based at 75 Mary Street, St Peters, where she continues to teach her ever expanding workshops programme online and in-person.
Isabelle also continue to work as a fine binder specialising in gold finishing and bespoke repair and restoration of books, maps and papers.
Some of our Past and Present Clients:
National Trust Scotland
National Trust England
National Museum Scotland
National Library of Scotland
University of Edinburgh - Edinburgh College of Art
Edinburgh Napiers University
National University of Singapore
Scottish Book Trusts
Scottish Poetry Library
Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Royal College of Art
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, London
Sydney City Council
Royal College of Art, London
Other private clients, schools, artists collective and private galleries.