Perry (pictured), who was managing director at Smyth Horne until he retired in 1999, bound the competition’s set book, which this year was Elizabeth David’s Mediterranean Food, with more than two metres of gold and palladium lines.

Perry said: “I went into the impression at least four times, which is very labour intensive.

As the operation is carried out by hand, the result gives great brilliance as the light reflects from the varied impressions.”