Sangorski & Sutcliffe, a renowned British bindery, created a stunning jewelled cover for Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat, featuring real gemstones and medieval-style illumination. Established in 1901, they became one of the 20th century's most important bookbinders, known for their exquisite designs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2024
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Sangorski & Sutcliffe: A World-Renowned British Bindery and Their Bejewelled Cover of Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat

Sangorski & Sutcliffe, a world-renowned British bindery, is renowned for its exquisite bejewelled cover of Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat. Founded in London in 1901, Sangorski & Sutcliffe quickly established itself as one of the most important bookbinders of the 20th century. Their jewelled bindings, such as the one featured here, are truly remarkable. The cover of Rubaiyat was originally crafted in 1922 to house Rudyard Kipling's 1897 "Recessional" poem, written for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. It incorporated real turquoise, aquamarine, and ruby gemstones, along with medieval-style illumination by Alberto Sangorski and gold tooling by George Sutcliffe. The result is a stunning work of art that showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of Sangorski & Sutcliffe's bindery.

Sangorski & Sutcliffe's jewelled bindings were highly sought after during the Art Deco period, and they were often commissioned by wealthy individuals and institutions. The bindings were often made from high-quality materials, such as leather, silk, and gold, and they were often decorated with intricate designs, such as floral motifs, geometric patterns, and animal motifs. The gemstones used in the bindings were carefully selected and cut to ensure that they would complement the design of the book. The gold tooling was also meticulously done, with each piece being carefully shaped and polished to create a beautiful and durable finish.

One of the most famous Sangorski & Sutcliffe bindings is the one that was created for the 1925 edition of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The binding featured a gold-plated cover with a diamond-shaped design, and it was decorated with real diamonds, aquamarine, and ruby gemstones. The book was a huge success, and the binding became a symbol of luxury and elegance. Sangorski & Sutcliffe also created bindings for many other famous books, including "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien, and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.

In addition to their jewelled bindings, Sangorski & Sutcliffe was also known for their innovative and experimental techniques. They were one of the first bookbinders to use digital printing, and they were also pioneers in the use of laser engraving. They also developed a range of unique binding materials, such as leather-backed paper and silk-backed paper. These materials were designed to provide a high-quality finish and to protect the book from damage.

Despite the challenges of the 20th century, Sangorski & Sutcliffe continued to thrive. They opened new branches in London, Paris, and New York, and they continued to produce high-quality bindings. In the 1960s, they were acquired by the British Museum, and they became a part of the museum's collection. Today, Sangorski & Sutcliffe's bindings are still highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. They are considered to be some of the most beautiful and valuable bindings in the world.

Conclusion

Sangorski & Sutcliffe is a world-renowned British bindery that is renowned for its exquisite bejewelled cover of Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat. Founded in London in 1901, Sangorski & Sutcliffe quickly established itself as one of the most important bookbinders of the 20th century. Their jewelled bindings, such as the one featured here, are truly remarkable. The bindings were often made from high-quality materials, such as leather, silk, and gold, and they were often decorated with intricate designs, such as floral motifs, geometric patterns, and animal motifs. The gemstones used in the bindings were carefully selected and cut to ensure that they would complement the design of the book. The gold tooling was also meticulously done, with each piece being carefully shaped and polished to create a beautiful and durable finish. Sangorski & Sutcliffe's jewelled bindings were highly sought after during the Art Deco period, and they were often commissioned by wealthy individuals and institutions. Today, Sangorski & Sutcliffe's bindings are still highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. They are considered to be some of the most beautiful and valuable bindings in the world.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 183 x 257 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408758199