Textile
Velvet and silk brocade were used for bookbinding as early as the thirteenth century. Examples of these early bindings are scarce because these luxurious fabrics are not durable and became damaged through use. Because of its fragility, textile elements were often added as decoration rather than as part of the binding structure. Advancements in binding and machinery in the nineteenth century led to sturdy cloth bindings that quickly replaced leather as the most common binding.
Because silk is not a durable fabric, books bound in silk did not last long. In order to incorporate this fabric, binders began using silk on the inside of the cover, where it adds dimension and luxury, but is protected by the binding.
In the late nineteenth century, publishers began producing and selling books with bindings, also known as edition bindings. These bindings were most often made of cloth and began to reflect the content of the book with stamped scenes and characters appearing as decoration.
The water of the wondrous isles
William Morris, a leader in the British Arts and Crafts movement, is known for his decorative arts and as the founder of the Kelmscott Press. Morris wrote, designed, and printed this book, which is bound in one of his favorite textile patterns he created.
Embroidery, patterns created with a needle and thread, may also incorporate silver threads or sequins or pearl beads, making them also treasure bindings. Embroidered bindings could be created by professionals, but were often done by a female book owner.
