Guild of Women-Binders

[1] At the 1897 Victorian Era Exhibition at Earl's Court, he encountered several bindings by women, including Annie S. Macdonald, on display, and his interest was piqued.

[2] Whatever his motivations, Karslake soon began acting as an agent to women binders already practicing, such as Annie MacDonald and Edith and Florence de Rheims.

[1] Members and associates of the Guild of Women Binders carved out a niche for themselves at the end of the 19th century by producing fine, artistic bindings by hand in an era when bookbinding was becoming increasingly mechanized.

[6] In keeping with the artistic styles of the time, many of the bindings featured Art Nouveau patterns, with sweeping lines and elegantly curved shapes.

"[9] Ultimately, the Guild was not a successful business venture, possibly due to Karslake's inexperience in the professional bookbinding world (despite his associations with several binding operations, he had never worked as a binder himself).

An edition of The Pilgrim's Progress produced by the Guild of Women Binders, held at the British Library . Likely bound by Gwladys Edwards.
An edition of "Poems descriptive of rural life and scenery" by John Clare , produced by the Guild of Women Binders, held at the British Library .