James Cassels ACR
Projects
About Me
I have been a professional bookbinder and conservator of rare books for nearly 40 years. My early training included being assistant to Dr. Sydney 'Sandy' Cockerell at Riversdale, Grantchester, Cambridge working almost exclusively on incunabula and medieval manuscripts for Cambridge University, Fitzwilliam Museum and Canterbury Cathedral among many others.
Following Sandy's death and disbandment of the company, I set up my own workshop near Cambridge with my wife Lucy, carrying out work for the Universities as well as the National Trust and English Heritage. In 2006 I moved with my family to rural west Devon where we have established a well equipped and secure book and paper conservation workshop. I have been an accredited conservator (ACR) member of ICON since its inception in 2000.
Our work is characterised by sound materials and workmanship, and we use only the most durable materials that have stood the test of time over hundreds of years. As much historical information as possible is retained, and full written and photographic records kept.
We continue to work for some of the most important Libraries and collections in the country, as well as many private clients.
Client Testimonials
The book arrived today just after 1pm, frustratingly just as I had to leave for work. But this evening I have so much enjoyed discovering and examining all that you've done to it. An absolutely splendid job, bringing it back to life and usability from its state of near collapse, and very sympathetically too. I simply could not be more pleased with the result and am much looking forward to being able to see it fully and properly in the daylight tomorrow. Your marvellous skill and work on it vindicates my decision to buy this copy with a very good text block and what I hope are contemporary or near contemporary boards and spine, as opposed to a much more expensive copy from America which had neither, and which had been rather garishly rebound (and so to my mind, somewhat spoiled).A huge thank you once more. I shall be in touch again when I next have need of your expertise...
Colin Reeves
Book collectorTraining
Colchester Institute School of Printing 2-year Diploma in Book and Archive Conservation
Cockerell Bindery assistant to Dr Sydney Cockerell OBE working mainly on pre-1500 books and medieval manuscripts.
Bernard Middleton MBE masterclass in book restoration, London.
