sarah baldi

After achieved a BA/MA degree in Ancient and Modern Culture and Philology at the University ‘L’Orientale’ in Naples, I began my career working as a freelance editor and proof-reader for independent publishers in Italy and Germany.

It is in Berlin in 2015 that I started to work as a printer and bookbinder for SHS Publishing/Vetro Edition.

My love for bookbinding always pushed me to travel around Europe to study with renowned master bookbinders including Cristina Balbiano d’Aramengo (Professione Libro), Luigi CastiglioniAnnette Friedrich.

Since I moved to London in 2017 I worked in major printing companies and binderies as well as self-employed bookbinder and box maker, having also the opportunity to work for George Bayntun in Bath. During this important work experience some of the books I have designed and bound were exhibited at FIRSTS – London Rare’s Book Fair one of the most popular and renowned rare book fairs in the world.

In 2020 I’ve been awarded the prestigious QEST (Queen Elisabeth Scholarship Trust) scholarship in bookbinding. Since then, I had the chance to improve and perfect my techniques in design binding thanks to special training with great bookbinding masters between the UK and Europe, among them Helene Jolis, Kathy Abbott and Suzanne Schmollgruber (Centro del bel libro Ascona).

I never stop study and research different technical approaches and traditions and I love to explore the bookbinding sector trough new ideas and experimentations, to sustain this craft, aiming to pass my knowledge to the next generations.

After working for the past two years in the Shepherds Bookbinders as forwarder and edge gilder, today I work part-time as a bookbinder and box-maker for a beautiful bindery in central London. 

As a freelance bookbinder, I am always open to new interesting collaborations and private commissions.