Adolphus Bookbindery

The legacy of Adolphus Bindery stretches back to the early 1900s in New Orleans, where the craft was first established. Later purchased and relocated to Austin, Texas, the bindery found its home at the esteemed Jenkins Company, where it continued the tradition of historically correct and time-honored bookbinding processes that define our work to this day.

In the 1980s, Master Bookbinder Mark Evans began his apprenticeship at the Jenkins Company, where classical craftsmanship met an unconventional journey. Between touring with Austin rock and roll bands, Evans dedicated himself to mastering the ancient art of fine binding. His dual passions—music and meticulous craftsmanship—shaped a unique artistic vision. Today, with over 25 years experience, his bindings grace private collections and museums worldwide, and have been featured at prestigious auction houses including Sotheby's in New York, a testament to the enduring excellence that defines Adolphus Bindery.

Whether restoring a precious childhood book long remembered, mending torn pages from a treasured yearbook, or breathing new life into a beloved family Bible with its stained pages and worn leather covers, Mark approaches each project with reverence and skill. Every volume carries its own story—a child's favorite bedtime tale, a record of friendships and milestones, a sacred text passed down through generations. With patience and expertise honed over decades, he honors these personal histories, ensuring that each cherished book can continue to be held, read, and passed on to those who come next.

In 2024, Mark was invited to demonstrate gold tooling at the University of Texas at Austin's exhibit "All That Glitters: The Practice and Preservation of Hand Tooling." Organized by students in the School of Information's Planning and Understanding Exhibits class, the exhibit explored hand tooling as a physical signifier of the value of information. Mark's demonstration, held in collaboration with the Austin Book Arts Center, allowed visitors to witness and try this historical craft firsthand.

Most projects begin with a simple phone call. We invite you to bring your book or project to our studio, where we'll conduct a thorough assessment based on the item's condition, your budget, and your preferences. We'll provide tailored recommendations for the most appropriate treatment. For out-of-state clients, we're happy to guide you through our secure shipping process to bring your treasured book back to life.