I am currently working on a project that needs to be made using VEGAN materials only. Since this is a very large, unique and important book (to the client, at least) I have decided to make a Medieval structure. I’ve made several in the past and they feature in The British Library. However, even the supports in these structures are usually leather. I could not even make my ’usual‘ Springback account book structure, since the spine must be made using animal glue. I wonder if anyone had experience using the ‘vegan’ leathers such as those made from mushroom and pineapple? (yes that does sound weird, but true).
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Hello "Books", I'm a bookbinder too, though my experience and qualifications don't match yours (!), so I'd be hesitant to offer advice re. bindings, structures etc. However, I would back up Philip and Fadi regarding "vegan leather". The stuff I've come across is pretty feeble. If it was me, I'd go with a good bookcloth. There's so much variety (I'm sure you've seen the various special cloths they have at Hewit's?), so hopefully you could find a good material that the client likes. I'm not sure that this would translate for a Medieval structure though (?). Also, I've come across springback books made without animal glues and they've been great. Wouldn't a good quality eva be acceptable in this case?