The Travelling Bookbinder Brings Repair to Edinburgh

Strategic Insights -

Rachel Hazell, known as The Travelling Bookbinder, has spent nearly 30 years conducting workshops around the world, from expedition ships in Antarctica to literary festivals in Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam. This year, she brings her craft to the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where she will lead workshops that explore the theme of Repair. Through bookbinding, participants will discover the meditative practice of creating something lasting with their hands and learn how traditional craft techniques can serve as a creative outlet and metaphor for healing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder, has been conducting workshops for nearly 30 years, covering various locations such as Antarctica, Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam.
  • Her workshops range from one-to-one bespoke courses to small groups in historic libraries and corporate settings.
  • Hazell's Edinburgh International Book Festival workshop, "Creative Repair: A Junk Journals Workshop," will take place on Saturday, 16 August from 10am to 12pm.
  • The workshop will focus on traditional bookbinding techniques as a metaphor for healing and repairing what needs mending in life.
  • Bookbinding is described by Hazell as a meditative practice that connects people with centuries of human knowledge and a fundamental love of stories.

Statistics:

  • 30 years: The length of time Rachel Hazell has been conducting workshops on bookbinding.
  • 3 continents: The geographical range of workshops, including Europe, South America, and Antarctica.
  • 5 locations: The number of countries where Hazell has conducted workshops, including Paris, Venice, Amsterdam, and Antarctica.

Sources:

  • "/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/edinburgh-book-festival-no-baillie-gifford-funds-puts-community-work-at-risk-including-school-tickets-5166540" - Edinburgh International Book Festivalureau
  • https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/full-story-of-the-iconic-iona-cross-revealed-2890597 - The Scotsman
  • https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/books/edinburgh-international-book-festival-2025-how-to-buy-tickets-dates-venues-who-is-appearing-5169060 - Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025