Our Story
About Natasha
Natasha Herman is the sole proprietor of STILT Book Cradles. She designs, engineers, and brings the full range of STILT® products to market. Her deep knowledge of antiquarian book preservation in complex contexts is central to the design process. Drawing on her expertise in the philosophy of conservation ethics, Natasha ensures that each STILT® product reflects a careful balance of physical, aesthetic, and intangible cultural heritage considerations.
Since 1996, Natasha has specialized in the conservation, restoration, and exhibition design of antiquarian books for collectors, booksellers, and libraries worldwide. A graduate of the Design Arts program at Concordia University in Montreal, she brings close to three decades of expertise to her work. In 2002, she established Redbone Bindery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands followed by the founding of her sister company, STILT Book Cradles, in 2020.
Teaching & Professional Involvement
Natasha has taught at institutions including the National Library of Australia, Auckland City Library New Zealand, and the Canadian Museum of History. She has also served as a guest lecturer and Socratic Dialogue facilitator at the Reinwardt Academie, the Dutch National Centre of Heritage Education, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Groningen, where she also studied Philosophy of Culture.
She is a former member of the Central College of Experts in Conservation Quality and served for eight years on the board of directors of the Northern Dutch Association of Conservators.
Natasha is a fellow in good standing of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC), a member of the Association Internationale des Bibliophiles (AIB) as well as of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA).
The Craft
STILT® is built on a foundation of both specialized in-house expertise and the skills of locally sourced Dutch craft industries. We collaborate closely with our partners to bring our products to market with precision and care. Every material is carefully selected from European sources to ensure exceptional preservation quality, strength, and durability.
Supporters
STILT would not have come to fruition without the enthusiastic support and generous encouragement of many key individuals, including Christian Westergaard of Sophia Rare Books; Rens Top, formerly of Koninklijke Bibliotheek Nederland; Erik Geleijns of Koninklijke Bibliotheek, formerly of Huis van het Boek; Jeroen Schierenberg of Antiquariaat Schierenberg BV; Gerda Huisman, former librarian Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Special Collections; Anne Hillam of Hillam Book & Paper Conservation; Nancy Boehm, former president of the Grolier Club; Nancy Campbell, author; Dr. Bill Wei, Conservation Scientist RCE; Dr. Robert Waller, President Protect Heritage Corp, formerly Chief of Conservation Canadian Museum of Nature; and all those who generously supported our Kickstarter campaign.
The First Chapter
Mahalia McNeill played a pivotal role in the early development of STILT®. Her deep understanding of exhibition display, keen eye for detail, and strong aesthetic sensibility were instrumental in shaping the design of our original products.
Mahalia now lives in New Zealand with her husband and two sons, where she co-organises the Single Fin Mingle—an annual international surf, art, and music festival.
The Team
Mascha is the quiet genius behind the design of our stickers and instruction labels. Melissa is our master stitcher and embroiderer, whose craftsmanship anchors much of our detailed textile work. Nada contributes her thorough approach to conservation science and ethics as our materials preservation consultant. Andrea offers invaluable guidance on production procedures and work floor communication. Jan is our technical design consultant. Emery lends his deep knowledge of the whole STILT product range as maker of our foldables as well as office manager.
