Tradition & Passion
The bookbinders’ technique, patience and pursuit of excellence have remained unchanged over centuries. These unique skills are still being passed down from generation to generation: the bookbinding culture, heritage and traditional craftsmanship are crucial values today as they were centuries ago. By M. uses only the finest leather, silks and gold leaf to create beautiful and elegant clutches, that are a pleasure to touch, just like the books of past centuries.
Drawing from an extensive background in the history of bookbinding, By M. Book Clutches are made using the same original techniques that were used centuries ago. Only where modern practices are indispensable to the final product’s quality, does By M. make small adjustments. Quality remains at the forefront of our practice.
Once upon a time in a small Neapolitan workshop located in the 16th-century courtyard of Palazzo Marigliano in the ancient street of San Biagio dei Librai – literally the “Street of the Book Sellers”, between the Dome and the famous square of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples, a traditional bookbindery was born. Today, the history and traditions of the art of bookbinding live on.
The original techniques of bookbindery, leather stamping, colouring and restoration are still used on modern creations today. The strive for quality remains at the forefront of By M.’s culture: each worker, with his own creativity, patience and skill remains personally responsible for each detail of each product they make, following the production from start to finish. For this reason, each By M. product is one-of-a-kind. You will find subtle variations which demonstrate the hand-made manufacturing process.