My late father Bernard Holton left school in 1947. At the age of 14 he started a 7-year apprenticeship as a Book Binder. He worked for several companies in Suffolk. It was in a Beccles bindery where he met my mother Ivy Hunter. Automation during the 70’s; meant the need for his skills declined but Bernard was determined to continue the craft. In 1976 he converted his garage into a bindery.

I started book binding in 2010 trading as “The Book Surgeon ”.  Before my father passed in 2014, he often told me he should have become a self-employed book binder. This drives me every day to restore a book at any opportunity! The oldest book I have restored so far is from 1616 "Generall Historie Of The Magnificent State Of Venice ".

If you need a book restored I shall be happy to appraise. I can provide a free estimate from pictures if you first prefer to send an email. I'm also happy to see you at my workshop, (by prior appointment), to determine the most economical solution being mindful of longevity and authenticity. All consultations are free, unlimited and without obligation. A fixed price is then offered.

I started trading as “The Book Sculptor ” in 2016 to create new books such as thesis, photo albums and “Folded Book Art”.

I attend antiquarian book fairs organised by the "P.B.F.A", craft fairs, fetes and pop-up shops. I hold presentations and workshops at libraries; social groups and education centres. All age groups are catered for from my signature presentation “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover Vol 1 ” to a range of tailored workshops for example book binding basics, sewing, letterpress, "Folded Book Art", “FaceMAKING    ”, 3D cards/pops up and more.