A Bradford firm specialising in the ancient art of bookbinding is making a big splash in modern America.

Stephen Conway Bookbinders' original design for an edition of The Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare has been snapped up for $4,480 by the trustee of a Washington museum.

The owner, Stephen Conway, has been repairing centuries-old texts and creating his own designs for private collectors, limited editions and institutions for 27 years.

Now, spurred on by his Stateside success, Mr Conway is to launch his own series of training courses from his base in Cheapside Chambers, Bradford.

He said: "The design work is really what I put my heart into, and the idea is to really suggest the mood or content of the book.

"So having a buyer for the Sonnets is very gratifying, but now I'd like to get more involved in the teaching side of things so I can pass these skills on."

With only one part-time assistant, Mr Conway, 43, has no illusions of becoming a millionaire, but has nevertheless seen his reputation and client base grow significantly in recent years.

The winner of four prizes in the 1998 Annual Bookbinding Competition, he has found America to be the most lucrative market for his designs.

The Shakespeare box set, designed in a medieval, 'wooden' style of dark greens and browns, was spotted while on display as part of a Designer Bookbinders Society exhibition touring the States.

A former pupil of Cardinal Hindsley Grammar School in Tong (now Yorkshire Martyrs), Mr Conway started out as an apprentice when he was 16, starting up his own business in 1985.

Last year he was invited to open the exhibition in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he delivered a slide show on his craft.

He said: "That was a real honour," he said, "and encouraged me to pursue the teaching idea."

The first of his practical classes, the introductory Single Section Binding, will be held on September 8 and 9, from 10am to 4.30pm.

To find out more contact Mr Conway on (01274) 776649.