“At the top of a narrow staircase on Sidney’s Beacon Avenue is a studio filled with vegetable-tanned leathers, tall glass jars of fermented dyes from plant extracts and a handcut lay press dating to about 1540. These are the tools and materials that master bookbinder Paul Tronson uses to bring rare books back to life.”
Thus begins a recent article in the Times Colonist about Sidney-based business Period Fine Bindings owned by Paul Tronson and his wife Margaret. Paul and Margaret moved to Canada from England a few years ago, first settling in eastern Canada where “the winters weren’t quite like home”. So they found somewhere a little more timid as far as the climate is concerned.
“The fact that they chose Booktown to locate in is serendipitous to say the least” says Chamber President John Treleaven, referring to Canada’s only established “Booktown” located in Sidney—boasting several specialty book stores and probably more coffee shops per capita than most places in Canada.
The Chamber chose to feature Period Fine Bindings as our first “Featured Member” because it’s a remarkable story to tell. Paul Tronson is recognized as one of the best (if not the best) book restoration expert in the world. Upon entering his shop at 204 – 2527 Beacon Ave, one will notice not only numerous rare books from various parts of human history, but tools, treated leathers, and bottles containing the plant-derived formulas that Paul uses to treat and restore aging and decaying books and parchments. When Paul and others like him retire, the art of book restoration of this caliber may be lost.
The Chamber recommends that you check out this soon-to-be tourist attraction. If you’re lucky like we were, Paul might show you around!
Read the entire Times Colonist article here.
Contact Period Fine Binding:
Phone: 250-580-1547
Email: paul@periodfinebindings.com
Web: http://periodfinebindings.typepad.com/
Do you know a business that should be featured here? Let us know!
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