Welcome to Downie Allison Downie Bookbinders


We are a family-run bookbinding company based in the heart of Glasgow’s West End. With a passion for craftsmanship and detail, we offer a full range of bookbinding services — including journal binding, thesis binding, short-run books, newspaper binding, menus, portfolios, custom boxes, and more.

We’re also always excited to take on niche and bespoke projects. If you have an idea, we’d love to work with you to bring it to life.

At the core of everything we do is a commitment to quality and care. Each piece is handcrafted with attention to detail, and we understand that every project is unique. We take pride in exceeding the expectations of every customer.

Feel free to stop by our workshop and see what we’re working on — we’d be delighted to meet you.


  • Library Services

    We offer a comprehensive range of library services for both public and private libraries, museums, and archives across the UK. Whether you need periodicals bound, archives restored, delicate volumes boxed, or libraries cleaned, we have a tailored service to meet your needs.

    We proudly work with major libraries, institutions, and Special Collections nationwide, ensuring that your valuable materials are in expert hands. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and attention to detail, so you can trust that your collection is safe with us.

  • Thesis binding

    We offer a fast, reliable thesis binding service that fully complies with your university’s regulations — helping you meet your deadlines with confidence and style.

    For art and design students, we stock a wide variety of high-quality materials to create not only the perfect binding, but also bespoke folders, boxes,

    and portfolios tailored to your specifications.

  • Shop

    Whether you're looking for something unique and meaningful or a timeless keepsake, we have beautifully made options to suit every occasion.

    Our shop has a range of classes, notebooks, boxes, photo albums and programme binders that can be personalised for that extra special gift for any book lover!

  • Bespoke

    Our skilled team is here to help bring your ideas to life, using a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques.

    We work closely with each customer to create a finished piece that not only meets but exceeds expectations — whether it's a custom design, a unique restoration,

    or something entirely original.

  • Short Run

    Our small-run bookbinding service is perfect if you're looking to produce a larger quantity of books without compromising on quality.

    With a wide range of binding styles and finishes available, there’s always an option to suit your project, budget, and vision.

  • Artists & Designers

    Collaborating with artists and designers is one of our specialties.

    We love exploring creative possibilities — often combining different materials and techniques to achieve truly unique results.

    With our experience and your imagination, the possibilities are endless.

New class dates.

Join Us for a Morning of Bookbinding!

In these classes, you will learn the various skills of bookbinding from hand sewing and binding to box-making and the processes involved in making various different styles of books.

All tools and materials will be provided on the day, and you’ll leave with full step-by-step instructions to help you continue creating at home!

Our workshops are held in our production bindery, giving you the unique opportunity to see the day-to-day work our skilled bookbinders do.

Make your own Notebook Class Make your own Notebook Class
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Make your own Notebook Class
£65.00

Join Us for a Morning of Bookbinding!

Come spend a creative morning in our bindery and learn how to make your own handbound notebooks!

In this class, you’ll master the techniques of hand sewing and binding an A5 hardback notebook with marble paper sides, a ribbon bookmark, and matching headbands. You’ll also have the chance to create a couple of smaller bindings to expand your skills.

All tools and materials will be provided on the day, and you’ll leave with detailed step-by-step instructions to help you make more books at home!

Our workshops are held in our production bindery, offering you a unique behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and daily work of our bookbinders.

Date: Thursday, 19th June 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Make your own Japanese Sketchbook Class Make your own Japanese Sketchbook Class
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Make your own Japanese Sketchbook Class
£65.00

Join Us for a Morning of Bookbinding!

Come spend a morning in our bindery and learn how to make your own handbound notebooks!

In this class, you will learn the art of hand sewing and binding two Japanese-style sketchbooks with marble paper sides.

All tools and materials will be provided on the day, and you’ll leave with full step-by-step instructions to help you continue creating at home!

Our workshops are held in our production bindery, giving you the unique opportunity to see the day-to-day work our skilled bookbinders do.

Date: Thursday, 5th June 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Make your own Box Class Make your own Box Class
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Make your own Box Class
£65.00

Join Us for a Morning of Boxmaking!

Spend a creative morning in our bindery and learn how to make your own custom boxes!

In this class, you will learn how to create a 6”x4” box with a marble paper lid, as well as a slipcase for a book of your own.

All tools and materials will be provided on the day, and you’ll leave with detailed step-by-step instructions to help you make more boxes at home.

Our workshops are held in our production bindery, giving you a unique opportunity to see the day-to-day work of our skilled bookbinders.

Date: Thursday, 10th July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Sharron Wilson, Advocates Library, Edinburgh

“The staff are very knowledgeable, professional, patient and creative, making the binding I deal with very easy.”

Chris Torres

“Massive thank you to Downie Allison Downie Bookbinders for the presentation box they created for our brand development book to Gray Line.

Fantastic work and highly recommend!”