 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Recent Information from Mark Esser, August 2002
Mark Esser, one of the talented contributers to the UI Bookbinding Model Collection, wrote to Gary Frost:
Hi Gary,
I recently happened on your "Bookbinding Model Collection" web site. I'd scanned it quickly sometime in the past, but have only now taken the time to look more carefully. It's a beautifully designed site and I think that your contributions are fantastic. Shanna Leino's models look great too! She appears to be a very talented binder. And it's always wonderful to see Bill's work.
I would like to make
one correction. I made both model #11 (which is correctly attributed) and
model #12 (which is attributed to Bill). I wanted to show both tight back
and hollow tube constructions. The tight back model was made first and was
a learning experience. #12 incorporated what I considered to be improvements.
I have private
records and slides that I took and labeled on completion so I'm certain that
my memory isn't faulty. I felt quite proud of it at the time.
I'm also about 99% certain that I did both model #4 and model #42. I really struggled with the first model, since I didn't have any actual examples or any good documentation to work from. Bill had no first hand knowledge of such early structures either, and left me completely to my own devices. I was unhappy with the first model and asked Bill if I could do another, hoping to make some improvements. But in this case I don't have any records and have to rely on memory alone. If I saw the actual books I would probably know for sure. I am certain, in any case, that I made the first such model, and while there was a give and take of ideas between us, I can't easily imagine Bill mimicking my model so precisely.
I would love to see you and I hope that we meet up again sometime, somewhere. Take care.
All the best,
Mark Esser
Burns Library
Boston College
9.3.02/kab
