84 Hours, 2007
Reclaimed paper, linen tape, linen thread
4.5x10x450cm unravelled
84 Hours reflects on the working life of William Wood, a bookbinder who died in Newgate Prison in 1788, having served half of a two year sentence. He had been imprisoned for putting pressure on his master to reduce the working week by one hour; from 84 hours to 83 hours. A single book was bound from 6am until 8pm for 6 days, recreating William’s working week. It was physically and mentally extremely demanding. Although I chose to undertake this challenging week, people across the globe are still forced to endure these extreme working hours throughout their working lives.
This piece is part of a set that was bound in 2007-8, including 84 Hours, 83 Hours, and 364 Hours, representing William Wood’s working week, the week he was campaigning for, and his working month.
Women’s Work
Throughout the history of the bookbinding industry, women have played a clearly defined role in the bindery. ‘Unfeminine’ tasks, such as glueing, forwarding and finishing, were considered shameful for women to undertake, and forbidden in many establishments. Instead, women sewed sections and headbands, reflecting the gender stereotypes that governed their domestic lives. This work was made during my time as a bookbinder’s apprentice and reflects my frustrations at the gender bias still evident in binderies today.
Women’s Work is a collection of books made using techniques and tools available to women in the Victorian bindery – a needle, thread and bone folder. Additional materials including embroidery rings and corset bones suggest restriction and domesticity.
