1984

Fine Binding · 2023

Jainabah Lumumba Phillips

WORK Holy Bible
BINDING Leather
MATERIALS Cow Hide, linen thread
DECORATION Hand-gilded in gold
DIMENSIONS 9.5 × 12 in.
COMPLETED 2023
BINDER Jainabah Lumumba Phillips, Ramon Townsend
MADE AT JourneyMade Bindery, Fort Myers, Fl

THE STORY BEHIND THE REPAIR

The canvas grocery bag bulged at the bottom, heavy with what would be revealed as two hundred years of family legacy. Laying it gently on the bench, I began inspection from top to bottom. Despite the front cover being completely removed, I fought to maintain the heirloom’s integrity, by opening it as if it was still attached to the spine, using a hinging motion, revealing the colorful images of Jesus in His kingdom, surrounded by angels and their associated Saints. The Bible transformed the bindery into a sacrosanct location; I worship books in this location after all.