Jemma Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 I need to dress an entire library/study for a touring show, so I'm not sure the crew would thank me if they were all real. Now, I'm aware of the Peter Evans vac-form, but you can usually spot them a mile off and I'm loathe to rip the spines of lots of lovely antique books if I don't have to as I'm certain that I'm not the first to need these. Has anyone out there got some ready-made shelves of books which I could buy / hire or know of anyone who might? Many thanks, Jemma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madorangepanda Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 I've found the vac form to be very good. Just needs preparation. Cut it up and put different books in different places, paint them well and in detail, though don't put rude titles on the books if the audience are too close.... Failing that bevelled plywood, leather strips and lots and lots of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_korman Posted September 24, 2010 Share Posted September 24, 2010 I've found the vac form to be very good. Just needs preparation. Cut it up and put different books in different places, paint them well and in detail, though don't put rude titles on the books if the audience are too close.... Failing that bevelled plywood, leather strips and lots and lots of time. We just painted on flat MDF, complete with the odd spider and a mouse peeking out between the books. Looked great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Some Bloke Posted September 24, 2010 Share Posted September 24, 2010 We had a show in that had the same requirement and they did actually go to charity shops and buy lots and lots of real books that were packed into those plastic carrying cases you use when you move offices. The books were thrown onto the set very quickly so time wasn't a problem. The boxes were pretty heavy but they brought a sack truck and moved them around on that (and on top of other flight cases!). Some times the easy solution is also the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Hampson Posted September 24, 2010 Share Posted September 24, 2010 If you can buy a load cheap and don't mind destroying them, run them through with a bandsaw which will give you a 2 inch thich book, glue them together cover to cover and then simply add one real book at each end if you need. It also means that the shelves don't need to be full depth. You will probably be able to find loads of people willing to practiaclly give you old readers digest type hardback books pretty much every charity shop has hundreds in stock. Another method I have used is to rip the paper out of each book and insert a small block of foam/polystyrene in it's place to keep the shape. One Prop book that I have suggests using a batten with slots cut into it so that it looks like a big comb, a block of books can be made up by slotting the covers into the wood, I'll try and scan the page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin D Posted September 24, 2010 Share Posted September 24, 2010 If you have access to a wide carriage printer you just photograph shelves on a real library, crop to the 'block of books and print. Build your shelves using approx 20mm x 20mm PAR as a grid onto the flat and infill with the images. The strip wood then looks like real shelves as it casts a shadow when lit. I guess you could do the same thing with A4 paper, but you'd need to join them 'between' books if the joins are not to be obvious. Spray the images with Sprayfix or similar and allow to dry thoroughly before using flame proofing or the ink will run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 If you want "classical" bindings then speak to "Wyvern bindery" on Clerkenwell road London. The Look needed rather depends on the purpose of the library in the production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Gordon Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 Try Googling "False Books" or "Faux Books" and you'll find several firms that produce them, either on boards or in a box format. They look highly desirable and evidently can withstand close inspection, being used in stately homes and the like. They may be beyond your budget, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I've seen secondhand bookshops selling old leather bound books by the foot for decorative purposes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerry davies Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 To add to Brians linear thing, my neighbours http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/bookshops/default.asp buy books by the tonne, and scrap them likewise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 To add to Brians linear thing, my neighbours http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/bookshops/default.asp buy books by the tonne, and scrap them likewise.Spooky. The Castle Bookshop is one of the places where I remember seeing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemma Posted September 26, 2010 Author Share Posted September 26, 2010 Great suggestions everyone - thank you. Guess no one who's needed them before has hung onto them, then - was kinda hoping not to have to reinvent the wheel!! Not to worry, lots of great leads to follow in making my own. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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