Corinna Krause

Sollas Bookbinding
I learned the skill of binding books and making boxes from a master bookbinder in my native Germany, before I established my own workshop in Sollas, North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides in 2004. It started off as a sanctuary of sanity when writing my PhD thesis on the translation of contemporary Gaelic poetry, and has since flourished into a combined bookbinding and translation business.

My books and boxes are made employing traditional bookbinding techniques. They are covered with wax paper which I design and  hand-craft taking inspiration from natural patterns of sand, rock and seaweed. This gives tmy objects a contemporary look and a rich and textured surface, making them attractive and sturdy at the same time.

The use of quality cartridge paper for the book blocks makes the books ideal for sketching or writing. The books range from hardcover single and twin books, coptic books, address books, photo albums and leporellos to soft cover note book ledgers.

The boxes make perfect homes to jewellery, photographs, artist’s tools or letters. They are made with hinged or loose lids, with compartments or without.

Each item is individually hand-crafted, making it a distinctive, attractive and functional object. I am very happy to make bespoke items to order, welcome visitors into the bindery, undertake repairs and tutor workshops both on and off the island.