Home > Bindings

Inlays and Onlays

Bookbinders can achieve a mosaic-like decorative effect on a binding by adding different colors and/or textures of leather. If the pieces of leather are inserted into pre-cut spaces, the process is termed inlaying. If thin pieces of leather are adhered to the surface, the process is called onlaying.


Year: 1893
Reference: Eric Mackay (1851-1895). Love Letters of a Violinist and Other Poems. London: Lamley and Co., 1893. 242 p. 19 x 13.5 cm.
Description: Bound in tan morocco. On front cover is an onlay of a violin done in dark brown and black leather decorated in gilt and surrounded with gilt vine-like decoration. Set within a border of a single gilt fillet interspersed with circle ornaments. Gilt lettering and vine-like decoration on spine. Green silk doublure endpapers. Single gilt fillet on turn-ins.
Gift: Charles Deering
Catalog Record: https://miami-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/lrv5ko/01UOML_ALMA21230286240002976


Year: 1892
Reference: Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865). Cranford. London: New York: Macmillan and Co., 1892. 297 p. 19 x 13 cm.
Description: Bound in green morocco. Front cover and spine decorated with gilt tooled crocuses done in variously colored inlays. Raised spine bands. Spine title in gilt. Single gilt fillet on turn-ins. Signed binding. Stamped in gilt: Bound by Rivière & Son.
Binder: Rivière and Son
Catalog Record: https://miami-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/lrv5ko/01UOML_ALMA21209243650002976


Year: 1901
Reference: Horace. The Odes & Epodes of Horace. Boston: Issued by the Bibliophile Society for Members Only, 1901. v.2, pt. 1, 177 p. 19 x 12 cm.
Description: Bound in red morocco with gilt fillets borders and decorative ornaments on covers and spine. Decorative floral inlays on spine. Raised spine bands. Title in gilt on spine. All edges gilt.
Signed binding. Stamped in gilt: The Harcourt Bindery.
Gift: Dr. Robert Spicer
Catalog Record: https://miami-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/16oedga/01UOML_ALMA21188313170002976


Year: 1916
Reference: Alexander Wilson Drake (1843-1916. Three Midnight Stories. [New York: The Century Co., 1916]. 117 p. 19 x 12 cm.
Description: Bound in full dark blue-green morocco with blind stamped panel on covers. Decorative inlays in dark green leather. Raised spine bands. Title in gilt on spine.
Bound by Mrs. Alexandra Drake.
Binder: Drake, Alexandra
Catalog Record: https://miami-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/16oedga/01UOML_ALMA21187803110002976


Year: 1917
Reference: Hewson L. Peeke (1861-1942). Americana Ebrietatis; The Favorite Tipple of Our Forefathers and the Laws and Customs relating thereto. New York: Privately Printed, 1917. 154 p. 22.5 x 14.5 cm.
Description: Bound in brown morocco with blindstamped ornamental panels on covers and ornaments on spine. Tan leather inlays on covers and spine. Raised spine bands. Title in gilt on spine.
Catalog Record: https://miami-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/16oedga/01UOML_ALMA21212769970002976


Special Collections, University of Miami Libraries
1300 Memorial Drive | 8th Floor | Coral Gables, Florida 33146
Phone 305-284-3247 | Fax 305-284-4027
Copyright 2010 University of Miami | Feedback