PADÉLOUP (PASDELOUP). - A French family of bookbinders active between the 17th and 18th centuries, of whom at least twelve members are recorded as working between the years 1633 and 1770. The most prominent among them was ANTOINE-MICHEL Padeloup (1685–1758), who became head of the workshop in 1712.
During his lifetime, he enjoyed immense renown, serving as *relieur du Roy* (binder to the King, Louis XV) and binding for numerous bibliophiles, including Count Henry d’Hoym, the Saxon ambassador to Paris.
The Padeloup bindings draw heavily on the Grolier style (v.) in many respects, but with a more lavish application of ornamental details achieved through the use of small tools in the so-called *à la dentelle* technique, of which A.-M. Padeloup is considered the originator. Later, he transitioned to the so-called *mosaic* or *repetition* style, featuring regular compartments formed by linear and curved fillets of varied design and coloration, created by applying extremely thin strips of colored leather to the boards—a meticulous form of marquetry rich in visual effect.