A warm professional portrait of Delbert Lee Powers in his letterpress workshop, smiling warmly amidst his equipment.
Delbert Lee Powers in his Charleston, WV studio.

Delbert Lee Powers: Artisan, Printer, Bookbinder

Guided by a deep respect for tradition and a passion for tangible art, I dedicate myself to the enduring beauty of letterpress and hand-bound books.

My Journey into Book Arts

I first fell in love with letterpress years ago, the moment my fingers traced the deep impressions left on cotton paper. It was a revelation – a stark contrast to the fleeting digital world, a craft that demanded presence, precision, and patience. What began as a fascinated inquiry quickly blossomed into an all-consuming passion. I immersed myself in the history, the mechanics, and the art of traditional printing and bookbinding, seeking out mentors and spending countless hours hunched over antique presses.

A close-up of hands operating a vintage letterpress machine, paper being fed into the press, focused on the tactile process.
The satisfying impression of metal on paper.

The natural progression was to establish my own studio. Charleston, West Virginia, with its rich artistic heritage and a growing community of makers, felt like the perfect home for this endeavor. It’s here, amidst the quiet hum of machinery and the scent of ink and aged paper, that each letterpress print and hand-bound journal comes to life. Every piece carries a fragment of this journey, a testament to the dedication to craft and the joy of creating something truly lasting.

Artisan's hands meticulously stitching the spine of a hand-bound book using traditional bookbinding tools.
Meticulous stitching, the heart of hand-bound work.

My Philosophy

“In an increasingly digital world, I believe in the power of the physical object. A well-bound book or a deeply impressed print engages more than just the eyes. It is an experience. My work is a celebration of that tangible connection — an ode to enduring craftsmanship and beauty born of human hands.”

Delbert Lee Powers

The Studio: Where Craft Comes Alive

Let's Create Something Together

Now that you know my story, I'd love to help you tell yours. Whether it's a personal project or a professional endeavor, let's explore how the art of letterpress and bookbinding can bring your vision to life.

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