Charles Lewis (bookbinder)

After he had spent five years in the forwarding department, Walther refused his request to enter the finishing shop, and so Lewis practised fine work on his own account, into the small hours.

[1] On leaving Walther in 1807, Lewis worked as a journeyman in several other shops, finally setting up in business on his own account in Scotland Yard.

Thomas Frognall Dibdin (Lord Spencer's librarian) was an admirer of his work and character, and recommended him to other bibliophiles.

According to Dibdin Lewis combined the taste of Roger Payne with "a freedom of forwarding and squareness of finish very peculiar to himself"; he was also successful in book restoration.

His main colours were buff or subdued orange for Russia bindings, and French grey for Morocco.