Bookbinders are main story at UK awards (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Bookbinders are main story at UK awards

10:41am Friday 20th January 2006 in

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STUDENTS from two Barnes studios owned by a husband and wife team have enjoyed outstanding success at a designer bookbinding competition.

Barnes has become a key focus for bookbinding in the UK, as 10 of the 18 prizes awarded at the British Library were won by students from studios run by Mark and Midori Cockram.

Studio Five students won seven prizes including Best Book in the competition. The studio was set up by Mr Cockram three years ago in workshops near Bracken Gardens.

Mrs Cockram's Jade Bookbinding Studios, in Lonsdale Road, won three prizes .

Mr Cockram said: "We are the best. It is as simple as that. We have students who work hard and are very dedicated. I am able to teach each student as an individual and gear my teaching to their needs," he says.

"It is the fifth year we have won the silver medal, the highest award in the UK for the best book ccmpetition."

As a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders, Mr Cockram is a top binder in his own right. He has books in collections, principally in the UK, Japan and the USA.

Among his students is local resident David Penton, The exhibition of the competition books at the British Library runs until February 5. Admission is free.