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?
Hi Laura, I have been sent vegan leathers before and they range from terrible to downright hilarious. I haven't tried mushroom leather yet, but I don't think the technology is there.
I am neither a bookbinder nor do I have extensive experience with all varieties of vegan leather. However these are my opinions.
I would bypass this for a fabric covering or coated canvas of some kind. I can't imagine vegan leathers at the thicknesses used in book binding having the strength, flex, or the durability of say, goat.
Imagine how badly it will age. So you have to ask, would you want to stamp your logo or name onto a vegan leather book?
I have had experience with "leaf" leather, and to be honest, it is as close to leather (in handling, in feel, in working it, in any aspect) as a chicken is close to television! They have nothing in common.
Maybe if you explained to us how you usually bind your books, we might be able to provide material replacements?