Isabelle McGowan
Bookbinder
Isabelle McGowan is a Florence-trained Bookbinder working through her bindery, the Owl & Lion.
She specialises in repair and restoration of significant and historical books and works on paper. Other services include the creation of fine and decorative book bindings and the creation of archival storage cases. Traditional gold book ornamentation is offered at the highest standard.
The bindery also offers conservation services for the preservation and de-acidification of works on paper – including maps, prints, artworks, ephemera and even entire books. We also provide conservation consultation services for to both private collectors and public institutions.
bookbinding services
All our bindings are made by hand using traditional bookbinding techniques. We decorate our book-bindings in pure gold leaf. A range of styles are available, from traditional and historical bindings through to more novel and contemporary designs. We are proud of the diversity of bindings offered, from antiquarian to new modern presentation bindings.
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, the Owl and Lion bindery relocated to Sydney, Australia in 2019.
Some of our past and present clients:
National Museum Scotland
National Galleries of Scotland
National Library of Scotland
University of Edinburgh - Edinburgh College of Art
Edinburgh Napiers University
Royal College of Art, London
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and Edinburgh
Faculté des Arts de Strasbourg
Institut Supérieur Des Beaux Arts
Université Paris Cité
Vatican Apostolic Library
University of Wrocław
University of Lapland
University of Turku
Australian Catholic University
State Library of NSW
Other public institutions, private clients and private galleries.
Repair & Restoration
Bespoke Box Making
Fine Bindings
Gold Finishing
