In Principio – Scripta Manent VII

Pleased to share a binding I made for Scripta Manent VII. It is now on view at the international exhibition of designer bookbinding Scripta Manent VII, organised by The Estonian Association of Designer Bookbinders.
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The set book was „In principio. The Word in Arvo Pärt’s Music“ – celebrating the 90th birthday of world-famous Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and the 500th anniversary of the first book published in Estonian. 

The music of Arvo Pärt inspired me to bind the sections of the book using this adhesive-free flowing, interlocking structure, the Australian Reverse Piano Hinge binding. I also know this structure as the Steckalbum that I loved learning years ago from Nadine Werner. 
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On the outside: Arvo’s drawing of mountains and valleys on a music staff, as shown in the book beside one of his quotes: 
Iga lüli peab hingama.
Armastada kõiki helisid võrdselt,
see ongi muusika.
| Arvo Pärt 
Every joint must breathe. To love all sounds equally – that’s what music is all about | Arvo Pärt.
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The sections of the book are connected by one long piece of paper that creates the spine and makes the connection with the boards. The boards have been made with laser printing and laser cutting. The book can lay perfectly flat. Love how the hand-marbled paper by Papiers Prina keeps it all together. 
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My binding, along with 148 others from across the world (how amazing!!) is on show in the Scripta manent VII exhibition at the Estonian History Museum in Tallinn until 16 November 2025.