How did you come across this time-honoured craft?
At a bookbinding course at my technical school. I was so excited that I took the same course twice! After that, I studied at the workshop of the Royal Library, and later at the Centro del Bel Libro, Ascona. I also managed to get an apprenticeship at the Ahrenkiel Bogbinderi.
Where did you do your training?
Here at Co’libri. Ole Olsen, one of the best bookbinders in Denmark, was my teacher. He was in his early seventies, and I managed to stay with him for three years before he passed away. Luckily it was his wish that I would take on the business and continue it.
©Malene Lerager
When did you start your own business?
I took over Co’libri in 2009. It can be challenging to have to take care of the commercial side of the business as well as the making. But I love working on my own in this special place. When you come into my workshop, it’s like stepping into a time capsule.
What type of binding do you create?
I mainly do half-leather binding with gold embossing and etching, and marble paper. Very traditional actually, because that’s what my customers generally want. I work a lot for private collectors, who know that I will do the binding that is most suited for their book.