High-quality digital images of the 16-page 1923 John Jacques & Son catalog are now available to view through the online image gallery. The catalog is in printed in landscape format (5"x7") and offers excellent images of the machinery, printed specs, and prices. A special thanks to MP Bogan and the folks at the Northeast Document Conservation Center for digitizing the catalog and making these images available!
The Jacques catalog belongs to the Joseph Newman Collection of Books on Bookbinding which is a resource and study collection comprised of nearly 200 printed book and catalogs on a range of topics including materials, book history, binding history, and bookbinding techniques that Joe collected during his long career. Joe kept the collection in the Book Conservation Lab at NEDCC during the years he worked here. It was donated to NEDCC after his death, where it remains a fantastic resource for staff.
Joe Newman was a skilled bookbinder and conservator, who apprenticed at the Harcourt Bindery in Boston and later became the shop manager. After opening Pride's Crossing Bindery in Beverly Farms and running the business successfully for four years, Newman joined the staff at the Northeast Document Conservation Center. Newman was employed as a book conservator at NEDCC for more than twenty years. His generosity and willingness to share his knowledge with his colleagues earned him the nickname "The River". Newman believed strongly that bookbinding skills were best learned by spending time at the bench.
The Joseph Newman Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by the North Bennet Street School and the Northeast Document Conservation Center to benefit bookbinding students at the North Bennet Street School. The mission of the school is to train students for careers in traditional trades that use hand skills to preserve and advance craft traditions and to promote greater appreciation of craftsmanship. The bookbinding program at North Bennet Street School was begun in 1986 and is the only full-time bench bookbinding program in North America. Contributions to the fund can be sent here:
The Joseph Newman Scholarship Fund
North Bennet Street School
150 North Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02113