Collis Bird & Withey was based in north London near Arsenal’s Emirates stadium. The firm specialised in thesis, bespoke and general binding. 

In a statement on its website, the CB&W team said: “Sadly we have gone into administration and will be shutting the bindery and shop for good. We appreciate all our customers over the years but in today’s changing climate we were unable to carry on.”

The firm’s business, assets and customer list are being auctioned by Marriott & Co through an online tender. 

Lots include the option to buy all the firm’s tangible assets, its intangible assets including goodwill and customer database, and various pieces of specialist book binding equipment and materials. 

The firm's distinctive premises in north London. Image: Google Maps

The equipment includes a Hampson Bettridge & Co benchtop nipping press; a Kampe & Co benchtop horseshoe blocking press; Omcoa oversewing machine; wooden type cases containing brass and lead type; hot foil stamping equipment; rounding and backing machine; and a stock of raw materials including buckram, cotton and leather as well as handmade marbled papers. 

The auction closes on 17 December and the full list of items being sold can be found here. 

Collis Bird & Withey was established in 2016.