Documentary Screening: Maureen Duke - The Life and Work of a Bookbinder

Join us for a unique screening Maureen Duke - The Life and Work of a Bookbinder in our atmospheric Victorian Courthouse in the midst of our exciting Bound Together: Modern British Bookbinding exhibition.  

Maureen Duke is one of the most respected bookbinders and teachers of our time. Over a career spanning more than sixty years she has introduced many students to this special craft. She has travelled widely, taking bookbinding to new audiences around the world, has written extensively on the subject and has been a pioneer in book restoration. 
 
In this remarkable film, Maureen looks back over her career, which began under William Matthews at Guildford College of Art in 1946. She reflects on her early years of self-employment, her first forays into the world of teaching and talks with passion about her time leading the full-time course at Guildford. 
 
In retirement Maureen has been busier than ever and we see her in action at Urchfont Manor and West Dean and meet some of her students, past and present, who have been inspired by her skills as a craftsman and communicator. 
 
She takes us on a tour of her extraordinary bindery, which she has occupied for the last forty years and in a special feature demonstrates some of her favourite techniques which have evolved over many years at the bench. 
 
With a combination of modesty, humour and sure command of her subject, Maureen gives us a rare glimpse into her fascinating world. 

70 minutes