An Introduction to book binding

During this beginner's course, participants are introduced to elements of the book; the mysteries of grain direction and to materials and essential tools to get the beginner started on their bookbinding journey. Skills, tips, and tricks will be gleaned, as well as a thorough understanding of basic bookbinding. Two projects are undertaken as an introduction to working with the tools and materials in a manageable way. A single-section paper cover and a hardcover notebook will be completed on this one-day taster course. All materials and tools are provided.

Advanced Bookbinding: A Progression – Intermediate/Improvers

This course is aimed at those with good experience of basic bookbinding technique. Topics covered will be Quarter or Half Leather binding with Cloth or Paper Sides; French Sewing, Leather Paring using a Paring Machine, Spokeshave (a cutting tool used for shaping, trimming and/ or smoothing leather) and Knife, Hand-sewn Silk (Head)End-bands, Made Endpapers, and laced-on Board Attachment, as well as traditional Hand Tooling with gold foil. Sheets are provided.

Basic Bookbinding: A Beginner’s follow-on Course

This course follows on from the introductory bookbinding course where the aim is to complete two Blank Multi-section Sewn Bindings, one Flat-back Half Cloth with Decorative paper sides and the other, a Rounded Spine Full Cloth binding. The course-goer will learn Rounding and Backing, using Stick-on Headbands, how to line up the spine, as well as experiencing Hand Tooling with gold foil.