In a quaint backyard in Tantramar, N.B., one of Canada’s treasured independent publishing houses, Gaspereau Press, has found a temporary home in a converted garage owned by Keagan Hawthorne. Hawthorne, who is in the process of taking over the reins of the boutique publishing company from its founders in Kentville, N.S., emphasizes the importance of maintaining the company’s small-scale, local ethos.
Established in 1997, Gaspereau Press has built a reputation for its handcrafted approach to printing and binding books, attracting admiration from writers across Canada. Despite a brief period of mainstream attention when one of their publications won the Giller Prize in 2010, Gaspereau Press remained steadfast in their commitment to local production, even when faced with challenges of meeting increased demand.
As Hawthorne prepares to transition Gaspereau Press operations to Sackville, N.B., he envisions a future where the company will continue to prioritize quality craftsmanship while adapting to some outsourcing for efficiency. Despite potential changes, Hawthorne assures that the personal touch and dedication to handcrafted bookmaking will remain at the core of Gaspereau Press’s identity.
