Lindley Learn - Historic Book Binding with Dr David Pearson

Join book historian Dr David Pearson as we explore a history of book binding in Western Europe, from the 16th to the 20th century.

Discover the materials, techniques and characteristic styles from different periods and places through Europe, as preserved in the RHS Lindley Library collections.

We'll be taking a look at how book binding evolved from a hand craft to a product of the industrial age. And, uncovering what you discover about a book and its former owner, from this often-overlooked detail.

This session will be made up of a lecture by Dr David Pearson, followed by a tour of selected works from the RHS Lindley Library collections hosted by the library's Rare Books Librarian, Jessica Hudson.

The tour will feature a range of different binding materials (vellum, arsenic), decorative elements (gilding, brocade) and styles (armorial, Cambridge).

There will be an opportunity to ask questions throughout this session. There will be regular breaks, and light refreshments will be served.

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Speaker

Dr David Pearson - In 2017 David retired from a long career managing libraries and collections, to focus on his work as a book historian. He has written and lectured extensively on ways in which books have been owned, used and bound, and has authored standard reference books in the field. He teaches regularly at the Rare Book Schools in London and America and is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. His next book, Bookbindings: an Illustrated History will be published by the Bodleian Library in Spring 2026.

Jessica Hudson - Jess is the Rare Books Librarian for the RHS Lindley Library, researching and caring for our eclectic collection of pre-1800s books. Our beautiful library in central London holds world-renowned collections of rare and modern books, botanical art, photography and archives. Discover more about our library on the RHS website.

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Event Details

Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are £40 for RHS members and students, and £50 for non-members. The ticket cost supports the RHS Lindley Library.

The session will begin at 1:30pm, with doors opening at 1.15pm. This event will take place between the Library and the Council Chamber.

Please note that due to the nature of the Edwardian building, it is necessary for participants of the event to be able to independently manage stairs.

Discover more events at the Lindley Library with Lindley Live and Lindley Late.

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Contact

For any questions, including accessibility enquiries, please email library@rhs.org.uk

Discover more about the RHS Lindley Library via our website, social media and new Digital Collections.

The image in the banner is a selection of bindings by Mrs Robinson, kept in the RHS Lindley Collections: Find more inspiration with the RHS Digital Collections.