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This week we include an article on fore-edge paintings. Though I don't collect them myself, it is an area that I greatly appreciate. Techniques like this and gauffered edges add beauty and splendor to books that exceed fine binding. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, gauffered edge books have a design burnt into the edges of the text block that are then gilt over, leaving an indented pattern highlighted by the gold.
Collector and bookseller Arthur Boutiette from Arkansas graciously offered tips for our readers. Those of you who visit antique shows in the South may have run into Mr. Boutiette since he's a staple on that circuit. He's a gentleman of the south with a personality as large as the geographical area. Our thanks to him!
Next weekend I'll be attending the eBay University being held in Hartford, CT and I will offer our readers a report on what I learn. Ina and I are also holding a workshop here in Waterbury (http://www.johnbalebooks.com/directions.htm) on Saturday, May 15 from 2-4, and I welcome any suggestions from our readers regarding topics they'd like to know more about. Look for details announced in this issue.
FYI, I attended a meeting in our downtown for the Main St. Project, a national movement to upgrade and refurbish older community centers, and bookshops were among the more desirable tenants to help launch such growth. It's nice to know our trade is appreciated even if most customers still prefer to head to the newer Barnes & Noble mega-stores. I recommend any of our readers who have shops within a city downtown to contact the Chamber of Commerce to see if your city is a part of this program. Sometimes there is money to refurbish the storefront and activities that are designed to drum up business. Our Main St. Project coordinator Carl Rosa is offering a free workshop with a retail window display expert to help local merchants market their wares more effectively.
I hope you're all enjoying some of the nicer weather, I know I'm trying, even if it is in five minute or so intervals.
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