TIM YANCEY, BOOKBINDER


MICHAEL L. CHRISMAN (Left), TIM YANCEY (Right).
Photo taken by Elliott Yancey, in the 'Great Room' of the Chrisman's Long Island, NY Home.

Over the last 20+ years I have had a number of students. Most of which have continued in the art of bookbinding. But few have been what I would also call a close friend. A true friend that cares is an extreme rarity in life.

The above photo is of myself with just such a friend, who happens to also be one of the finest students I've ever had, Tim Yancey, of Atlanta, Georgia. Tim & I first met in the summer of 2005 after he had taken a class at the American Academy of Bookbinding in Colorado. His only exposure to me prior to studying with me was my first bookbinding video, BOOK RESTORATION FOR BEGINNERS, VOL I (Walnut Creek, Ohio, 1996).  A video that still remains on the market today. Tim & I joined forces in creating Bookbinders Workshop in 2006, [then] a Limited Liability Corporation in Salt Lake City, Utah. We also purchased Hoole Machine & Engraving Works (Est. 1832, NY, NY), which we later sold, with my wife and I retaining thirty-five percent ownership of the Hoole Company. Today, Bookbinders Workshop, Inc. is a New York State Corporation based in Long Island, New York.

In Spring 2007 Tim & I embarked on our wonderful "Lost Gutenbergs" project, which is described throughout this blog. The "Lost Gutenbergs" project is an equal monetary investment for both of us, but one that I know we're both happy to be involved in. Though there are many miles between Long Island and Atlanta, I'm grateful that Tim gets up here to Long Island to work with me a few days every three or four months.

Tim's lengthy experience in the corporate world and finance has been, and remains, an unwavering asset to all of our business interests. His passion for "real" bookbinding, and the embodiment of this in our "Lost Gutenbergs" project has been tireless. All through the development of each aspect, Tim and I have shared what I believe to be the most astounding experience in the entire history of bookbinding.

Many of the first bindings I restored very many years ago were wooden board bindings within the Amish and Mennonite communities of Ohio & Pennsylvania. I am thankful to God for having taught me the mysteries of this ancient style. In the course developing the wooden boards, hand shaping the profiles, and all the other aspects of these bindings, I draw on that experience daily. Tim often remarks that he believes that God has prepared me my entire life for this Lost Gutenbergs project. I didn't immediately think so, but now I must admit, I believe its true.

I often reflect on the time I spent studying with Bernard Middleton in London, England, and the times he spent teaching me at my bindery [then] in Ohio. Though my study under Bernard was not a part or full time "position", it consisted of years of helpful correspondence, visits to each others binderies, etc. All in a one-on-one situation. I have a desire (and I believe a responsibility) to teach the mysteries I've received from God (and from Bernard) in art and craft of bookbinding.

Michael L. Chrisman
"The Gutenberg Binder", as someone recently addressed me.

Posted by Michael Chrisman at 5/6/2009 4:16 PM
Categories: Bookbinder Tim Yancey
 

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  • 6/14/2009 10:12 AM Dan J wrote:
    Michael:

    I enjoyed reading about your bookbinding achievements, please keep the information coming; I am a letterpress printer with an interest in casting type on my Monotype Supercaster. Recently I purchased a Hoole hand-held bookbinding embossing tool, well it surprised me, it appeared to be 'sand-cast' instead of what I figured would be logically pantograph cut or stamped with a steel die. Quite interesting.

    I wonder if you would dedicate a blog entry to more information on this company, what was left over, what were the processes, historical documentation, etc.

    Is there a historical 'lineage' that you are aware of, as some tools I understand are marked "Snieder & Hoole" Cincinnati, Ohio.

    Thank you in advance,

    Dan
    Ontario, Canada
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