21 Sep Binding a Story: The Visitors’ Book

Most of the books that leave our workshop are specified by someone else’s brief.

Every so often, a project arrives with a story already built into it. The Visitors’ Book for Festa dos Tabuleiros, Tomar. This one was a Hipwell’s favourite.

Several years ago. our founder was asked to produce a visitors’ book to be presented to the organisers of the Festa dos Tabuleiros (the Festival of the Trays) held every few years in Tomar, Portugal. The festival is a genuinely spectacular event, with streets across the town decorated by local teams, and this particular job had a personal angle: family members were part of the team decorating one of the streets involved.

Choosing the materials to celebrate the occasion

This close connection shaped every decision in the binding. The colour scheme was drawn directly from the Tomar flag, red and black, with a little yellow carried through onto the text pages. The cover was half-bound in supple, carefully chosen beautiful red Milano leather with black buckram cloth, and the title, “Visitantes,” was finished in gold blocking on the front board.

Bespoke binding reflects the personal touch

It’s a modest brief on paper; one visitors’ book, not a production run of hundreds but it’s exactly the kind of project that shows what bespoke binding is really for – and it is these type of projects behind why Hipwell was founded over 40 years ago. The finished book was a considered, personal object that reflected a specific place, a specific event and a specific family connection. After delivery we’re told the recipients were delighted with it, and we were too!

The Visitors’ Book for Festa dos Tabuleiros

The stories behind every project matter

Stories are part of the book bindery craft; the care and attention which goes into every piece we handle. Whether we are looking after a retirement gift, a wedding guest book, a presentation copy for a significant occasion or a larger production, every piece has a tale to tell.

If there’s a story, a colour palette, or a personal detail behind the request, tell us. It’s often the difference between a book that does its job and one that holds real meaning, and we connect with every one. Talk to us at Hipwell to find out how we can bring your story to life.