The History of Old English Bindery and John Smart Bookbinders
John Smart Bookbinders is a family business with a long tradition in bookbinding dating back to the early 1900's and specializing in restoration since the 1930's. The present company was started by Charles E. Smart and is now owned and run by his son John Smart and grandson Richard who are well known throughout the national and international book selling trade and collectors alike for the production of high quality renovation of antique books and documents. Mr. C.E.Smart Started out on 1st may 1920 to do a seven year apprenticeship. In the binding department of Thomas and Sons LTD London. He completed his apprenticeship in April 1927, this was to be the start of a career in the bookbinding trade. Shortly after he moved to a large binders, Zaehnsdorf's in London where he specialized in restoration of antique books and paper. C. E. Smart pursued his career by moving to F. Sangorski & G. Sutcliffe as a restorer of antique books both of these companies are now trading under the same company renamed as SSZ.
C.E. Smart in the late 30s set up on his own as C.E.Smart Bookbinder. At the same time Francis Smart his wife was a reputable paper restorer at Reviers of London, who later assisted C. E. Smart in his business. He started work for the antique book trade where he built up his business, a business that he had no idea was going to turn into three generations of family business and still trading with some of the same companies that supplied work to C.E.Smart half a century ago. In 1961 at the age of 55 C.E.Smart passed away leaving John Smart running the company. In 1962 C.E. Smart became C.E. Smart Ltd and in 1963 John Smart sought out larger premises away from Brockley London. He was at this premises for the next three years with an increase of trade, and again found the need for a larger property, this property was found in 1967 and he moved in to Lewisham London throughout the following years he worked very hard, and with the help of existing customers John Smart reached a very high and respected standard within his field. Through this well known standard of craftsmanship he was asked to lecture at the Camberwell College of Arts, which he did for many years. During this period he taught two outstanding students On their graduation from their diploma in hand bookbinding, they went to work in Lewisham for C.E.Smart Ltd bookbinders in 1979. John Smart traded for many years at this address as C.E. Smart Ltd. Building a world wide reputation until 1979
In 1982 it was decided that it was no longer necessary for C.E. Smart Ltd to be a limited company and the name was changed to John Smart Bookbinders. It was not until 1988 that Richard Smart decided follow in his grandfathers footsteps and learn the trade of antique book restoration, at this point there were no full time courses left on restoration only workshops and evening classes, so it was decided John Smart would teach Richard Smart to a proficient standard to start work on the restoration. Richard has developed his skills to a very high standard, now with ten years experience working along side John Smart. Within this time Richard has developed skills in the restoration and conservation of paper and documents and new & fine bindings.
