12/04/2025
BEL ELBEL
During my trip to the Elbel Libro bookbinding studio in Lembach, France — a small town right on the German border — I had the chance to meet the renowned bookbinding artist Benjamin Elbel. Ben has dedicated two decades to the craft of handmade books, including 13 years of professional book design and binding.
He started his career in London, working for the prestigious Shepherds bindery (the workshop responsible for binding four Bibles used in the coronation ceremony of King Charles III of England). Later, Ben moved to Haarlem, the Netherlands, where he opened his own studio. In 2023, he and his family decided to relocate to Lembach for good, as he shared with me that he had "grown tired of the noise of the city."
Ben is a remarkably talented book artist, known for his creative ingenuity and extensive knowledge. He has invented seven unique modern bookbinding structures and authored ten specialist books on the subject. Ben also created 26 decorative letters for two books published by Suntup Editions.
This trip turned out to be truly rewarding. At the studio, Ben generously guided me through the techniques and secrets he has refined and invented over the years. He patiently answered every question I had, with great clarity and enthusiasm. In the near future, Đông A will apply Ben’s distinctive binding techniques to some of its S100 series books.
As evening approached, Ben walked me to the bus stop heading to Haguenau, where I would continue my journey to Strasbourg. The nearly two-kilometer walk became all the more enjoyable thanks to our conversations. As we parted, I asked him: "With such unique inventions, have you registered any copyrights?" Ben smiled and replied: "No, my joy comes from sharing the knowledge I have."
Many thanks to my friend Timothy Bindery for connecting me with Ben — it was an incredibly enriching and delightful meeting.
