Chester Bookbinders restores Bible commemorating former student
A Bible donated to the University of Chester 70 years ago has been restored by a Chester bookbinder.
The 1935 Bible was given to what was then Chester Diocesan Training College, now the University of Chester, by alumni in 1955 in memory of former student Billy King.
King graduated from the college in 1900 and worked as a teacher and led community singing initiatives, according to an obituary published in the college’s Collegian magazine.
The University of Chester is one of the closest higher education institutions to Flintshire and draws students from across Deeside.
Over the years, the Bible’s front and back covers became detached and its spine was damaged.
The university commissioned Chester Bookbinders to carry out the restoration.
The work was led by Phill Woods, who has run the Chester business for more than 40 years.
The Bible is now stored in the university’s archive.
Phill Woods, owner of Chester Bookbinders, said:
“I was contacted by the University of Chester to restore a large, historic leather-bound Bible. As a local craftsman running Chester Bookbinders for 40 years, it was a privilege to undertake this commission. I crafted a new goatskin leather spine using traditional tools, meticulously tooling it with gold leaf to replicate the original design. To ensure its survival for generations to come, the entire Bible was treated and dyed to halt any further deterioration.”
Amy Hultum, Alumni Assistant at the University of Chester, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Phill for his skill and dedication in restoring this very special item. The Bible is a meaningful part of our history, commemorating an individual who gave so much to the College community. Thanks to this restoration, it can continue to be appreciated by future generations of students, staff and alumni.”
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