– It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that we must convey the news of the passing of Fellow Paul Delrue. A luminary in the world of bookbinding, Paul’s departure leaves behind an indelible void, a silence where his irreverent humor, empathetic spirit, and exceptional talent once echoed. Paul had been grappling with illness for several months. A vicious fall preceding Christmas added to his health woes, prompting hospitalization. Despite valiant efforts, the prognosis continued to deteriorate, leading him to the local community hospital in Ruthin where he peacefully departed in the early hours of a Friday morning.
Beyond the realms of the craft, Paul was a multifaceted individual a superb and unique bookbinder with an extensive catalogue of work behind him. His legacy extends far beyond the bindings he meticulously crafted; it lives on in the hearts of the countless individuals he touched with his wisdom, humor, and, above all, his generosity in sharing the craft he held dear.
In the words of Glenn Malkin, a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders and one of the many influenced by Paul, “He was irreverent, empathetic, loveably eccentric, and hugely talented. He leaves a significant hole in the world of bookbinding.” The sentiment echoes the collective grief felt by a large network of bookbinding friends, colleagues, and the numerous binders whom Paul inspired and mentored throughout his illustrious career.
Dominic Riley, another current Fellow influenced by Paul, joins Glenn Malkin in expressing the deep impact Paul had on those he taught. The ripple effect of his teachings is evident in the success achieved by many binders who emerged from his tutelage, establishing their own remarkable careers. Paul’s journey through life was characterized by resilience and determination. A challenging start did not define him; instead, he defined his destiny through his craft. His hands, described as magical, transformed humble materials into works of art that continue to be cherished by collectors worldwide.
Starting with a traditional apprenticeship, Paul later undertook the remarkable feat of teaching himself to be an artist. This commitment to lifelong learning and self-discovery marked him as not just a craftsman but an artist a distinction that set him apart in the world of bookbinding. His career, which spanned several decades, both commenced and concluded in Wales. Remarkably, he never picked up the Welsh language, remaining a unique character who transcended linguistic boundaries with the universal language of artistry. Paul’s influence reached far beyond the confines of a studio; it encompassed the lives of those he taught and inspired.
Among his proteges was Adam, the latest recipient of Paul’s boundless knowledge and mentorship. The passing of the torch from one generation to the next was a hallmark of Paul’s commitment to preserving and sharing the craft he loved so dearly. While the craft of bookbinding remained at the center of Paul’s life, his interests were vast and varied. An avid lover of music, he found solace and inspiration in its melodies. Good food, the art of gossip, and his unbridled passion for socialism rounded out the facets of his engaging personality.
As we bid farewell to Paul Delrue, we remember not only the masterful bookbinder but the man complex, passionate, and unwavering in his commitment to his craft and the community he nurtured. His artistic bindings will forever stand as testaments to his talent, and his impact on the world of bookbinding will continue to resonate through the binders whose lives he touched. In the quietude left by his departure, we honor the memory of a maestro whose hands wove tales into the fabric of each binding.
