Seeing a 15th century binding at the New York Public Library changed my approach

I was looking at a display case there about five years ago, and one book had its spine completely gone. You could see the sewing structure clear as day, how the cords were laced into the boards. I'd only ever worked from modern manuals before that. Now when I plan a rebind, I always try to study the original structure first, even if it's just a photo. Has anyone else had a moment like that, where seeing an old piece just clicked something into place?

3 comments

3 Comments

hayden_craig953d ago

That NYPL display case did the same for me.

cole5493d agoTop Commenter

Feel like it just makes me miss the old stuff more. I mean, it's cool but also kinda sad.

emery2903d ago

Noticed this happens a lot with old tech in museums too. Seeing a giant blocky computer or a first gen cell phone just sitting there hits different. Makes you realize how fast everything changes while you're just living your normal life.