Most of their bookbinding tools are practically identical to those used by bookbinders for the last two centuries, and one of their presses has almost certainly been in use since Queen Victoria was on the throne. Despite the history, you won’t find them dwelling in the past; when they’re not looking after customer orders, surfing or sailing, they are hard at work developing new Bookshell products.

Every Bookshell is lovingly crafted by hand using traditional bookbinding methods. When they began designing the Bookshell range Zoe and David spent many happy hours exploring the old bookbinding crafts and techniques; their passion for old books eventually led to the authentic detailing which characterises the entire Bookshell range. This is why each Bookshell includes details such as raised spine bands, decorative gold foiled flourishes, marbled end paper, mono headbands and a satin bookmark.

As a small craft business, Bookshell had always employed casual staff and now wanted to bring in a permanent junior member of staff to work, under the supervision of Zoe and David, across the making and sales and admin elements of the business as well as supply chain, logistics and shipping.

They had been mid-way through recruiting an apprentice when the Government pulled the Creative Craft Apprenticeship, so they wondered if an intern might be an alternative solution. They were recommended to contact Cultivator to find out more about our Internship Programme, which offers employment incentives to eligible businesses interested in employing an intern or apprentice.

They got in touch with us and arranged a Development Needs Analysis session with Tonia, the Visual Arts and Crafts Creative Business Advisor and discussed with her how the Cultivator Internship Programme could provide Bookshell with the opportunity to take on its first permanent rather than casual member of staff, with the hope that after the 12 months internship the individual would be offered a full time position.

Bookshell decided to make an application to the Internship programme, which was successful. They subsequently advertised for their intern and have successfully recruited. We look forward to hearing more from them in the near future about how the intern is helping their business development.

http://www.bookshellbindery.com