Pierre Ouvrard: Master Bookbinder

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for pre-teens; her latest books are
Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and Tarragon Island.

Pierre Ouvrard has been practising the art of bookbinding in Canada for
50 years. His unique works include specially bound volumes presented
annually to the winners of the Governor General’s Literary Awards.

This book presents photographs of selected Ouvrard works created
between 1949 and 1999. Governor General’s Award titles between 1973
and 1999 are also included. Each photograph is accompanied by the title
of the book, the author’s name, and year in which the special edition
was created. In some cases, size and a description of the materials used
are also provided (e.g., “Full black English morocco, onlay of goat
and lamb. These leathers are painted and treated as a painting”).

Pierre Ouvrard: Master Bookbinder begins with a series of essays in
both English and French. Author and rare-book dealer Alfred Van Peteghem
speaks of Ouvrard as both a colleague and a friend, and Ouvrard himself
contributes an essay reflecting on his life as a creator of livres
d’artistes. Normand Biron, president of the International Association
of Art Critics (Canadian Section) contributes a brief history of
bookbinding and then provides a context for Ouvrard’s life and work.

Small photographs of the bookbinder at work offer additional
information about the creation of a handmade book, though captions would
have been helpful for those not already knowledgeable about the process.


This is an attractively designed catalogue of an artist’s work. It is
a shame, however, that so few early works are represented. This is not a
critical review of Ouvrard’s work (the essays, without exception, glow
with admiration). Nor does this volume provide much information about
the actual bookbinding process or the details of the way in which
Ouvrard practises his craft. Rather, this is a tribute to a Canadian
artist who has created some 500 works, many of which are included in
libraries and collections around the world.

Pierre Ouvrard is a volume for those who appreciate the artistry
involved in the creation of a handmade book and who would like a glimpse
into the life and work of one of Canada’s foremost craftsmen working
in this field.