Smith (Philip, binder) New Directions in Bookbinding [&] The Book: Art & Object, 2 works in 1, extraordinary binding by Philip Smith of full tan goatskin with modeled onlays in various colors, upper cover with a 'V' shape opening revealing a painted scene set into the suede of the free endleaf, a similar painted scene set into the lower cover, full modeled goatskin doublures, all edges marbled, preserved in a felt bag, within clear Plexiglas slip-case and custom wooden case, the case with some pieces missing around the integral locking mechanism, folio (binding 353 x 220mm.), 1974-82.*** Smith describes this binding in an inserted sheet of "Artist's Notes" at the rear: "The idea of 'new directions' is suggested in the 'infinite regress' of the images, while the concept of the book as 'art and object' is suggested in the painting and sculpting features: this is a new treatment of the one-off hand-made book in an age when it is no longer necessary to bind books by hand for the general reading public - a new approach has long been necessary in this mainly 'traditional' craft justifying the continuance of it (if any justification is required). The purposely rugged effect moves away from the graphic 'reliure a la francaise" style. The 'object' nature of this kind of work is further enhanced by its incorporation in a display container made by Robert Ingham. The painting is with acrylic-based pigments and the modeling is with epoxy putty (the peaks are re-inforced over the millboard base with 2.5mm brass rods) and covered with 'maril' and feathered leather onlays. Other new features include the shaped double-core headband with the shaped cap, and the set-off markings from the puckered doublures enriching the suede flyleaves..."