Mary Crease Sears: A Complete Bookbinder

Mary Crease Sears was the first female bookbinder in Boston (19th c), pursuing a craft typically reserved for men. She broke through social barriers, finding support in England and Paris at two of the best binderies in Europe. There she learned the artistic craft of finishing - designing book covers. She became a sought after artisan, winning awards in the United States. She opened a school to train other female bookbinders in Boston, in the early 20th century. A fine example of her bindings is on permanent view at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston.