These pages
would not be complete without a small tribute and a big "Thank
You" to my teacher, both at the very start of my interest in the
1980s and since my return to classes. My
knowledge of bookbinding would never have progressed as far as
it has without David King.
One of
the differences between an excellent teacher, and a merely adequate
one is to be able to criticise and advise without undermining
a student's confidence. Dave has this quality in abundance along
with patience, unfailing good humour and a genuine love of passing
on his very considerable knowledge, including how to rescue
seemingly irreversible mistakes!
Listen
to Dave when he is describing a visit to a stately home and
you will not hear about the awesome painted ceilings or the
magnificent architecture. Instead, he waxes lyrical about the
beautiful bindings he has seen in the library there.
I know
without any doubt, that I speak for all of Dave's students when
I say,
"Sorry Dave, but you can never retire. Ever!"