A renowned book conservator and restorer, known for preserving and rebinding rare and historic books, including those from the British Library and Oxford University.
Bernard Middleton, a British master bookbinder, is renowned for his unparalleled expertise in restoring leather bindings and his significant contributions to the field of book craftsmanship. His seminal works, A History of English Craft Bookbinding Technique (1963) and The Restoration of Leather Bindings (1972), have become benchmarks for professionals, scholars, and collectors alike.
Born on October 29, 1924, in London, Middleton was destined to follow in the footsteps of his father, Regent Marcus Geoffrey Middleton, a noted bookbinder. In 1938, at the tender age of 13, Middleton earned a trade scholarship to attend the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, where his father had also studied.
During his apprenticeship at the British Museum Bindery from 1940 to 1946, Middleton's exceptional skills earned him the City and Guilds of London Institute's silver medal in Forwarding, the first prize. His military service during World War II, spent in the Home Guard and the Royal Navy, temporarily interrupted his apprenticeship, but he resumed his studies in 1949.
Midleton's illustrious career was marked by his appointment as Craftsman-Demonstrator at the Royal College of Art, where he worked under the tutelage of Roger Powell, a mentor he revered. This position laid the foundation for his subsequent lectures and teaching engagements in Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world.
His two magnum opuses, A History of English Craft Bookbinding Technique and The Restoration of Leather Bindings, have had a profound impact on the field of bookbinding. These comprehensive guides have become indispensable resources for professionals, scholars, and collectors, cementing Middleton's position as a leading authority in the field.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to bookbinding, Middleton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1951. He was further honored with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1986 for his services to bookbinding.
Bernard Middleton's gold-tooled bindings can be found in esteemed institutions such as the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Library at Windsor, and the Wormsley Library, among others. His work has inspired generations of bookbinders, conservators, and scholars, solidifying his reputation as one of the most celebrated book craftsmen of modern times.
Midleton's unwavering dedication to the art of bookbinding has left an indelible mark on the world of book craftsmanship. His legacy continues to inspire and educate, ensuring the preservation of this ancient craft for future generations.
Midleton's work was guided by a deep respect for traditional techniques and a commitment to educating others. He believed that the art of bookbinding was not only a craft but also an important part of cultural heritage, deserving of preservation and protection.
Bernard Middleton's contributions to the field of bookbinding have had a lasting impact on modern society. His work has ensured the preservation of cultural heritage, promoted education and awareness about the importance of book conservation, and inspired a new generation of book craftsmen and conservators.
77 Years Old
A renowned expert in environmental science and conservation biology, particularly recognized for his groundbreaking research on the ecology and management of invasive species.
