RH ASHBY
Paper Marbling, Hand Bookbinding, Restoration
Welcome! I am Robin Ashby, a paper marbling artist, bookbinder and author of History and non-fiction titles. My site is dedicated to my art practice, though you can find my writing here
I travel the world seeking out master paper marblers to learn and practice this ancient and magical art form. Marbling is an endangered art and has almost died out over the centuries. My effort in some small way, through my practice and teaching is to keep marbling going, to grow the knowledge of the art, expand the art and to pass it on, to light a hundred candles.
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SERVICES
Our services include book restoration and preservation, marbling and approachable instruction in book arts
RESTORATIONS
MARBLING
INSTRUCTION
The process of restoring antiquarian books is a labor of love and passion in which we discover the book's journey from the past to the present.
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My passion for book restoration is an adventure each time a 'new' book comes across my bench. It is an honor and blessing to be able to bring new life to these time travelers and allow them to be shared with many more people in the years to come.
The traditional art of marbling dates back centuries and has been a closely associated with bookbinding for hundreds of years.
This exceptional art form is unlimited in its creative reach and is accessible to all. In my practice, I explore traditional and modern marbling techniques and styles for bookbinding, cards, fine art and print as well as fabrics.
NEWS
Get The Scoop
ALUM
I'm working on an article about the world's first chemical industry; Alum. Â Without Alum, marbling would look and feel very different from what wee know today in most marbling techniques.
JOSEF HALFER
As I deepen my knowledge of marbling and investigate the marbling masters that have gone before me, Josef Halfer's work is an amazing element of my journey.
JUNE MARBLING CLASS CHADDS FORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
June 11th was the first mIntro to marbling held at the Chadd's Ford Historical Society. Â We explored the history of marbling, and then jumped right into exploring patterns and some combed patterns. Â This intro course provides a broad exposure to the world of marbling art. Â We had an exceptionally great time with amazing students! Â More classes coming in Fall 2022!
CONTACT US
ABOUT ROBIN
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My Journey
My journey into bookbinding began in 2013 when I was mesmerized by a paper marbling demonstration. This led me on a journey to become a bookbinder and paper marbler.
Over the years, I've apprenticed with the Master bookbinder at Historic Sugartown, Malvern, PA and trained at the School for Bookbinding Arts in Winchester, Virginia under the supervision of the amazing Jill Deiss, Master Bookbinder.
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But, for the last years, my practice has returned to paper marbling where it all began. Today, my practice has evolved more into honing my marbling skills and knowledge with some of the world's best Marbler's including Regina and Dan St John, of Chena River Marblers, whom I'm lucky to count as trusted mentors in this amazing art.
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I teach various levels of marbling classes throughout the year in multiple locations: John C Campbell Folks School, Brasstown NC, School for Bookbinding Arts, Winchester, VA and at the Lancaster ArtVault, Lancaster, PA which is where I am a resident artist.
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My marbling can be found in the permanent collection of the German Book and Writing Museum of the German National Library in Leipzig.
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