Designer Bookbinders & The Society Of Bookbinders Weekend Workshops 2006-7

Welcome to the third series of joint workshops offered by Designer Bookbinders and the Society of Bookbinders.

These workshops offer structured, intensive learning from established, well-respected teachers. They are designed to stress a practical approach where participants complete a structure or technique following demonstrations from the teacher. The size of each workshop is limited to allow students to benefit from individual attention.

Once again we are offering workshops on varied topics, from traditional techniques to historical and innovative structures, in five different venues across the country.

We hope you will be tempted - and please remember that the workshops fill up quickly, so we urge you to sign up early to avoid disappointment! We look forward to seeing you in class!

Onlay, Inlays and Scarf Joints with Peter Jones
Sat & Sun, 17-18 March 2007 - 10am-5pm
Kelly Street, London, NW1
Course Fee:£100 (£5 materials payable on the day)

In this workshop Peter will share his approach to the various techniques used for decorating with leather. Together they give the artistic bookbinder a range of choices for embellishing leather covers, and are essential skills for the production of successful design bindings.

Onlays, inlays and scarf joints give different tactile and visual results to the finished surface of the leather, and necessitate mastering the precise steps involved in planning and execution so that the desired result is achieved. Peter will begin with a discussion of how to choose the appropriate method, both aesthetically and in regard to its position on the book.

Working on prepared plaquettes, students will learn how to prepare the board for decoration, the correct working order needed for each technique, and how to design, cut out and apply the leather accurately in position. Emphasis will be given to the use of the specific tools involved - a paring knife and spokeshave, scalpel and paring machine. Please note that this workshop will be of most benefit to those who are confident paring leather and using edge tools.

Peter Jones studied Economics at Bristol University before moving to London and working in furniture restoration, leather lining of desktops and retail management. In 1985 he moved to Brighton, took up carpentry and joinery, and started learning bookbinding at evening classes. Since 1988 he has been self-employed as a carpenter, bookbinder and teacher of bookbinding. He was elected a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders in 1995 and President in 2005. He has exhibited internationally and his work is held in numerous public and private collections.

 

Cirencester Bookbinding Workshops 2007 at Cirencester College.

Regular monthly workshops designed for SoB members and others who take the craft seriously. Follow the demonstration or persue your own project with help and guidance. Practice finishing. Equipment available for use. Laying press, finishing press, sewing frames, nipping press, etc

Venue The Art Block, Cirencester College, Fosseway Campus, Stroud Road, Cirencester
Start Time 9am onwards Finish 5pm Demonstration starts around 10am
Cost£25 ; SOB membersrs£20
The programme for the day is.....doors open at 9am.....problem solving.......demonstration at 10am.......lunch when you feel like it!.....shutting up shop 5pm

Saturday 10th March 2007 - Demonstration Library style binding. Part 2 - Board attachment and leather covering.

14th April 2007 - Demonstration tooling for the terrified! Use of gold foil.

12th May 2007 - Demonstration vellum binding over boards. Part 1 - Forwarding processes.

9th June 2007- Demonstration vellum binding over boards. Part 2 - Covering.

For further information or to book, please contact John Jameson on +44 (0) 1285 770 458 or john@cotswoldbookbinders.co.uk

Short Courses by Tracey Rowledge

Gold Tooling
Dates: 24 April - 19 June 2007
Day & time: Tuesday, 10.00 - 16.30 Location: City Lit, Keeley street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4BA
Enrolment: 0207 831 7831 Email: infoline@citylit.ac.uk Website: www.citylit.ac.uk
Course description: This structured course is an introduction to the technique of tooling with gold leaf on leather. You will plan and execute a design for a book, possibly incorporating titling with handle letters. Can also be taken as a refresher course for those with previous experience. Basic materials included.

Unfolding Thought: Experimental Bookmaking
Tutors: Liz Ellis and Tracey Rowledge
Dates: 14/15 & 28/29 April 2007
Location: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Enrolment: Phone: 0207 887 8888 Email: information@tate.org.uk Website: www.tate.org.uk
Course description: This four-day workshop is a practical introduction to experimental book-making where participants have the rare opportunity to handle modern and contemporary book art from the Tate Collection. The tutors discuss trends in book-making techniques and demonstrate a number of practical skills. Participants are then helped to produce a finished book in response to ideas generated and their own interests.

Making Finishing Tools for Bookbinders
Dates: 22 - -24 June (ability: a/b/c/d)
Reference: WE 251 (CC) Location: (West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
Enrolment: 01243 811 301 Email: shortcourses@westdean.org.uk Website: www.westdean.org.uk
Course description: Apply yourself to making two simple brass finishing tools, for use on leather, paper and cloth. Using basic metalworking and woodworking techniques, students can reshape old tools or create new tools from a length of brass.

Making a Finishing Tool
Date: 7 July
Location: City Lit, Keeley street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4BA
Enrolment: 0207 831 7831 Email: infoline@citylit.ac.uk Website: www.citylit.ac.uk
Course description: Brass finishing tools are used for impressing lettering or decoration on surfaces such as leather, paper or wood. Come and learn how to make a tool of your own simple design. Please request a list of necessary materials and equipment. An additional£5 fee for materials will be payable. Basic materials included.

Gold Tooling
Dates: 9 - 13 July 2007
Location: Book North, Top of the Town Farm, 17 The Village, Barkisland, Halifax, West Yorkshire. HX4 0AQ (Barkisland is located in the lovely Calder Valley, which is great Yorkshire walking country. It is within easy reach of Halifax, and the M62 between Manchester and Leeds)
Times: 9.30 - 16.30. Cost:£180 for the five-day workshop (The cost will include most materials and buffet lunches. Details of local accommodation can be provided).
Contact: Hilary Henning on 01932 787268, or email hilary.henning@britishlibrary.net. (for further details or to book a place)
Course description: Most courses on gold tooling teach the traditional method of finishing a binding. Tracey has developed a very different method for tooling her speciality of 'gestural' images on a cover, a method which she will be teaching her students. She is also planning to spend one day on making tools from lengths of brass or old tools.

Unfolding Thought: Experimental Bookmaking
Dates: 16 - 20 July
Location: City Lit, Keeley street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4BA
Enrolment: 0207 831 7831 Email: infoline@citylit.ac.uk Website: www.citylit.ac.uk
Course description: This exciting course brings together two disciplines, fine art and bookmaking. We will focus on the concertina book form as a container of ideas. A willingness to experiment is more important than previous experience. Basic materials included. Tutor(s): Liz Ellis, Tracey Rowledge

Gold Tooling - Gold Leaf Lettering on Books
Dates: 3 - 6 September 2007 (ability: c/d) Reference: 3D 365 (CC) Location: West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
Enrolment: 01243 811 301 Email: shortcourses@westdean.org.uk Website: www.westdean.org.uk
Course description: Hone your gold tooling technique as you plan and execute the lettering of a title and author on at least two book spines. Students learn about typefaces and their sizes, as well as the tools and techniques for lettering on a curved leather surface.

Society of Bookbinders, London And South Region - Mastercraft Classes Spring 2007

24th March (Saturday) - Tony Ward Various Ways To Bind A Single Section. Tony Ward served a six-year apprenticeship in hand bookbinding and during the 1960's worked at the British Library Bindery. He was appointed Head Bookbinder for the Royal County of Berkshire library service in the mid 70's and ran their bindery in Reading. He also taught bookbinding part-time at Berkshire College of Art and Design and is a former national Chairman of the Society of Bookbinders. In this Mastercraft Class, Tony will look at the archival approach to preserving catalogues, pamphlets and similar material. His demonstration will include, among others, the 'returned guard' method, which allows a single section book to be bound with a rounded and backed spine and so to be gold lettered.

The class will be held at the Congregational Chapel, Kelly Street, Kentish Town, NW1. See above for directions.

28th April (Saturday) - Glenn Bartley Gold Tooling Techniques, Hints and Tips. Glenn Bartley is a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders. He has won both the DB Silver Medal and the SoB International Competition and has been binding for more than twenty years. His bindery in Culham, Oxfordshire has clients from major institutions to private collectors both nationally and internationally, including Europe, North America and South Africa. His work includes bindings in traditional and contemporary styles, restoration and boxmaking. As Glenn points out, for many binders the actual process of gold tooling is seen as such a difficult skill to acquire that, often, a secondary emphasis is placed on the suitability of the typeface, the size of the tools and the layout of the tooling/lettering in relationship to the style of the book being bound. With his wealth of experience, Glenn will first demonstrate the techniques and processes that he has developed to tool the variety of material that passes through his workshop, utilising methods that better suit the environment in which most individual binders now work. He will then explore the sorts of problems that arise and discuss ways of overcoming them. If you have been daunted by, or are experiencing difficulties with this aspect of binding, this Mastercraft Class will be an ideal opportunity to put your queries to an experienced professional. The aim is for the participants to go away armed with good basic principles and to confidently achieve, with practice, successful gold tooling and lettering.

The class will be held at the Congregational Chapel, Kelly Street, Kentish Town, NW1. See above for directions.

26th May (Saturday) Paul Delrue An Approach to Booker Binding: The New 'Tudor' Style. Paul Delrue started binding in 1959 and served an apprenticeship at University College London bindery (1961-64). He set up his own bindery in 1971 at Leagrave, Bedfordshire, later moving to Chester after a two year period binding in Wales (he is currently back in Wales, at Ruthin). He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Bookbinders in 1981, having founded and served as chairman of the Chester and North Wales branch in 1979. He has gained numerous awards and honours, including a Silver medal and three other awards in The Bookbinding Competition in 1991. In the same year he was elected a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders. In 1992 he was awarded two Bronze medals in the prestigious Prix Paul Bonet. Each year Fellows of DB are selected to create bindings for the short list of books chosen to compete for the Man Booker Prize: Paul has often featured among those selected. In 2006 he bound 'Carry Me Down' by M J Hyland. This was bound in a new style developed by Paul which he calls his 'Tudor' style. Paul will give a slide presentation of bindings in this new style and will then demonstrate how he goes about doing it, with many hints and tips.

All Mastercraft Classes start at 10.30am and finish at 3.00pm with a break for lunch.
The fee for each class -£6.00 for Society of Bookbinders members, £25.00 for non-members.

Further inormation on these Mastercraft classes avaiable from:
Dave Perry, Treasurer S.o.B., 42 West End Avenue, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 1BJ

Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild In-studio Workshops - Winter-Spring 2007

Bookbinding I
Instructor: Rose Newlove
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 6 Sundays: Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $480 members/ $540 non-members*
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructor
This course introduces the variety of tools, materials and constructions fundamental to hand bookbinding. The course will start with the making of a simple pamphlet and proceed to the binding of two hard cover books. This class prepares participants to explore bookbinding on their own or continue with more advanced studies.

Cloth Binding Restoration
Instructor: Brian Maloney
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 5 days: Mon. - Fri. Mar. 12 - 16
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $400 members/ $ 460 non-members*
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructor
Prerequisite: Bookbinding I & II or permission of the instructor
This five day workshop introduces the techniques commonly used to repair or restore cloth bound books. The course will discuss various alternative solutions and will cover typical treatments, such as recasing, rebacking, and reattachment of loose plates, sections, spines and boards. Participants should bring several examples of representative problems to work on under direction.

Artists' Books Update
Instructor: Mira Coviensky
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 1 day: Sunday, Mar. 17
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $95
Materials fee: $10 payable to the instructor
Show your artists' books and works-in-progress, get feedback, problem-solve together, and figure out where to go next in your work. Share new techniques and conceptual ideas, new publications and websites on artists' books, and get updated on the artists' books scene and latest resources from Mira's recent travels. This workshop is for all levels of experience in artists' books.

Leather Workshop
Instructor: Betsy Palmer Eldridge
Location: 24 Castle Frank Cres., Torontov
Duration: 2 days: Sat. & Sun., March 17, 18
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $160 members/ $220 non-members*
Materials fee: $10 payable to the instructor
This two-day workshop will be a comprehensive introduction to the different types of leather and paring techniques used in bookbinding.

Printing Basics - Lead Ain't Dead!
Instructor: Brian Maloney
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 2 days: Sat. & Sun., Mar. 31, April 1
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Maximum: 6 students
Course fee: $160 members/ $220 non-members*
Materials fee: $25 payable to the instructor
A crash course in the simplest elements of letterpress printing, participants will garner a brief history of printing, some basic elements of composition and design, typesetting skills on a small scale, and finally pressmanship by printing some fun postcards in short runs.

Paper Engineering
Instructor: Brian Maloney
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 3 Saturdays: April 14, 21, 28
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $240 members/ $300 non-members
Materials fee: $25 payable to the instructor
This workshop will explore cams, wheels, gears, levers, string, and elastics to add kinetic elements to a number of moving paper models. These fun constructions will show how you can add motion to your books or create whimsical and playful objects that stand alone.

Japanese Stab Bindings
Instructor: Louise Granahan
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 1 day: Sunday, Apr. 15
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Course fee: $95
Materials fee: $20 payable to the instructor
This workshop will teach 4 variations on the traditional Japanese Stab Binding. This elegant binding is a wonderful way to bind single sheets of paper. Few tools are needed to continue making this structure at home.

Bookbinding I Intensive
Instructor: Rena Whistance-Smith
Location: Studio, 14520 - 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Duration: 6 days: Mon. - Sat., April 23 - 28
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $480 members/ $540 non-members*
Materials fee: $40 payable to the instructor
This course introduces the variety of tools, materials and constructions fundamental to hand bookbinding. The course will start with the making of a simple pamphlet and proceed to the binding of two hard cover books. This class prepares participants to explore bookbinding on their own or continue with more advanced studies.

Introduction to typesetting and letterpress printing
Instructor: Margaret Lock
Location: 231 Johnson St., Kingston, Ontario (Accommodation information will be sent after registration)
Duration: 2 days: Sat. & Sun., May 5,6
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Maximum: 3 students Students must register at least four weeks before workshop begins.
Course fee: $185 members/$245 non-members*
Materials fee: $15 payable to the instructor
Participants will learn basic typographic design concepts, how to set lead type by hand and print on a proof press. Setting type, letter-spacing capitals, registration and printing on handmade paper will be addressed. Participants should bring a 10 to 20 line poem or short piece of prose.

Paper Decorating with Bookbinding in Mind
Instructor: Sigrid Blohm
Location: Japanese Paper Warehouse, 77 Brock Ave. (two blocks west of Dufferin, north of Queen St. W.)
Duration: 1 day: Sunday, May 6
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $95
Materials fee: $ 20 payable to the instructor
Using readily available water-based media (including fabric dyes and paints, acrylics and screen-printing inks) on Japanese paper create samples of richly coloured papers suitable for use on covers and as endpapers. Patterning techniques will include direct brushing-on, 'monoprinting' from textured surfaces, fold-dyeing and other shibori techniques. Emphasis will be placed on colour use and layering; the use of "konnyaku" for strengthening paper will also be covered.

Bookbinding III Intensive
Instructor: Dan Mezza
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 6 days: Mon. - Sat., May 7 - 12 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $480 members/ $540 non-members*
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructor, plus cost of leather
Prerequisite: Bookbinding II & Leather Workshop, or permission of the instructor
This course introduces the advanced techniques used for traditional leather covered, fine binding structures. Participants will make two models, both with sewn headbands, attached boards, and covered in half leather. The first model will be sewn on recessed cords with a hollow tube construction; the second model will be sewn on raised cords with a tight back construction.

Ebru - Watercolour Marbling
Instructor: Pam Belshaw
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 2 days: Sat. & Sun., May 27, 28
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $160 members/ $220 non-members
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructor
This workshop presents the fundamental techniques of marbling and covers the following topics: a short history of marbling, materials, tools and equipment, patterns and styles and understanding what constitutes good or poor results.

The Stitched & Painted Book
Instructor: Martha Cole
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 5 days: Wed. - Sun., June 13 - 17
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Prerequisite: Bookbinding I
Course fee: $500 members/ $560 non-members
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructor
Using traditional wheat paste techniques in contemporary ways, workshop participants will create a book structure in which both all the painted interior text sheets and the cloth for the cover are created simultaneously. We will then sequence and explore a variety of multi-media options to integrate stitching, collage, text and imagery throughout the book and on the cover. The focus will be on combining stitching/collage/multi-media with paper and fabric to create and sustain a concept through the length of a book.

The Girdle book
Instructor: Renate Mesmer
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 5 days: Mon. - Fri., June 18 - 22
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Number of students: 8 - 10
Course fee: $550 members
Materials fee: included in the course fee
Prerequisite: Bookbinding I, II, III or permission of the instructor
The traditional medieval girdle book has an extended covering of soft leather (doe or deer) that ends with a Turk's head knot. The book is bound in such technique so that the knot could be tucked under a girdle or belt and be swung up for reading. The class will start with a brief introduction into the history and variations of the girdle book. The practical in-class work will include: sewing an endband, preparing and attaching the wooden boards, paring the deer skin for covering, making the Turk's Head knot as a finish on the extended covering, and a pair of simple brass clasps. The participants will get written instructions on how to prepare the textblock they need to bring to the class.

Paper Conservation Treatments Intensive
Instructor: Betsy Palmer Eldridge
Location: 24 Castle Frank Crescent, Toronto
Duration: 5 days: Mon. - Fri., June 25 - 29 Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Prerequisite: Bookbinding III, or permission of the instructor
Course fee: $ 400 members/ $460 non-members*
Materials fee: $25 payable to the instructor
This five day course covers the basic treatments used to solve the paper problems that binders frequently encounter in printed book materials. The course includes topics such as mould, pressure sensitive tape, minor tears, tide lines, localized staining, cockling, acidity and discolouration. Washing, drying, and flattening methods will be taught. Participants should bring examples of paper problems (preferably unbound) to work on, under supervision.

Bookbinding I Intensive
Instructor: Dan Mezza
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 6 days: Mon. - Sat., June 25 - 30
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $480 members/ $540 non-members*
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructor
This course introduces the variety of tools, materials and constructions fundamental to hand bookbinding. The course will start with the making of a simple pamphlet and proceed to the binding of two hard cover books. This class prepares participants to explore bookbinding on their own or continue with more advanced studies.

Printing Intensive
Instructors: Crispin and Jan Elsted
Location: Barbarian Press, Mission BC (Accommodation information will be sent after registration)
Duration: 6 days: Mon. - Sat., July 9 - 14
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Maximum 5 students
Course fee: $540 members/$600 non-members*
Materials fee: $30 payable to the instructors
This six day intensive workshop will be an introduction to hand composition, letterpress printing & design. It will begin with a brief introduction to type and typographical history, with special attention to the private press. Participants will be guided through design, handsetting, printing and sewing of a 4- or 8 page pamphlet in an edition of a dozen copies, with detailed instruction in all the skills required. Although no prerequisite is required, those who have had previous printing experience will find the course useful, since instruction will be tailored to individual capabilities and needs.

Artists' Books Intensive Foundation Class II: A Stack of Overlapping Pages
Instructor: Mira Coviensky
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 5 days: Mon. - Fri., July 16 - 20
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $400 members/ $460 non-members*
Materials fee: $35 payable to the instructor
Prerequisite: Artists' Books Foundation Class I (Alternative Structures for Book Artists) or permission of the instructor.
The codex, the standard book form, is so familiar as a container of information that it's hard to see its other qualities. In this workshop, participants will create artists' books looking at the codex in two new ways: as a stack of overlapping pages and as a sculptural form. Conceptual and technical issues will be addressed through both experimentation and creating finished artists' books.

Bookbinding II
Instructor: Mercedes Cirfi Walton
Location: CBBAG Bindery
Duration: 6 days: Mon. - Sat., Aug. 13 - 18
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Course fee: $480 members/ $540 non-members*
Materials: fee $30 payable to instructor
Prerequisite: Bookbinding I or permission of the instructor This course introduces intermediate techniques, such as rounding and backing and sewn endbands, necessary for traditional binding structures. Participants will sew two models, completing one as a German case binding and the other as either a Bradel or split board binding.

Further information and applications form are available from www.cbbag.ca

Spring Courses at Paper Dragon Books, Brooklyn, New York, offering both introductory and master bookarts courses.

Evening Courses Starting in March

ISLAMIC CODEX Taught by Gavin Dovey - March 1st - May 24th - $450 - all costs include materials running over 12 Thursday nights students will complete a folding Islamic binding in goatskin, sewing sections with a chain link stitch,sewing chevrons, and paring leather to a professional grade . Early Arabic Design will be demonstrated, and techniques such as tooling in gold/blind, and leather onlay/inlay, will be employed. For those interested in historical binding and getting more exp. refining bookbinding skills, this has proved extremely useful.

FINE BINDING Taught by Gavin Dovey - March 9th -May 30th - $450, all costs include materials running over 12 Wednesday nights (6-9) This course is geared towards people looking to develop there skills as a fine bookbinder, and complete fine bindings to a consistent and professional level . Books will be sewn gilded, covered in goatskin, and completed with traditional titling and book decoration, in gold leaf. Simply a must for those interested in making a living!!

BASIC BOOKBINDING Taught by Gavin Dovey - March 7th - May 21st - $450 - all costs include materials running over 12 Monday nights(6-9) need a refresher on case binding? Want to case in your books without getting glue on the pages, make a case with neater corners ?? Then this is it , No bookbinder can be in business and not know how to complete case bindings quickly easily, and without blemish . We will also cover non-adhesive binding and some simple enclosures...

JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTING Taught by Takuji Hamanaka - March 27th - May 29th - $450 - all costs include materials Running over 9 Tuesday nights Learn the basic techniques in the Japanese tradition of woodblock printmaking passed on from the earliest Ukiyo-e masters. All aspects of the process will be introduced: proper care and use of the carving tools, preparing and carving the wood, color registration,use of paper, and hand printing using the baren. Limited to six students.

WEEKEND COURSES HOT TOOLING Taught by Gavin Dovey - March 17th - 18th - $275 all costs include materials This previously successful class is a simple intro. In the sometimes fickle world of gold leaf finishing. Students learn on the first day simple procedures in covering goatskin plaquettes with a gold tooled border design . The next day students will learn a simple technique to complete a run-up full gilt spine in calfskin . I found this information useful in my prof. development , and with a good grounding, experimentation and practice are the secrets that will make you competent finisher.

LEATHER REBACKING Taught by Sophia Kramer - March 24th - 25th - $275 (Practice materials should be brought in) Repairing damaged leather books can be a challenging task for bookbinders. Learn rebacking of leather books on a hollow and the tricky tightback in this weekend intensive, which will cover spine cleaning and relining, inner joint repairs, and corner consolidation and repair. We will discuss issues relating to leather, dyes, consolidants, adhesives, and tools for lifting and paring. Come with your questions and books to practice on. Students should bring to class four old leather bindings with loose boards and/ or spines, or cracked joints. The books should have intact sewing and sound leather (no red rot). Remember that these books are intended for practice, and shouldn't have any real value. Prerequisite: previous experience working with leather

CASE BINDING INTENSIVE Taught by Gavin Dovey May 5th - 6th - $275, all costs include materials This intensive weekend course covers the basics of bookbinding in easy to learn steps. Students will learn tricks of the trade and complete single section, flat-back and rounded backed case binding to a professional quality.

The Teachers

GAVIN DOVEY started bookbinding in `98 under the guidance of designer bookbinder, and fellow of Designer Bookbinder UK Mark Cockram. He studied at the London College of Printing, part of the London Institute, for 3 years. Whilst at school, Gavin worked as a bookbinder at the Wyvern Bindery until 2002, learning a great deal about the practicalities of running a succesfull bindery, under the guidance of proprietor Mark Wynstanley. Since then he has worked in a number of binderies across the UK, in all types of capacities, and was lucky enough most recently to work alongside designer binder and fellow of DB Paul C.Delrue. Today Gavin,founder of Paper Dragon Books in NYC, works as a bookbinder, and continues to promote the use and teaching of the best design and techniques Modern and Historical Bookbinding has to offer. He teaches courses in historical binding, modern design binding, forwarding, and finishing at Paper Dragon Books in New York City and other places around the United States.

SOPHIA KRAMER is a bookbinder, printmaker, and conservator. She holds a BFA from Pratt Institute in Printmaking and Book Arts and an MA from Camberwell College of Arts in Book Conservation. She has taught workshops on the rebacking of books at Shepherds Bookbinders in London, where she worked for four years as a book conservator. She currently is a book conservator at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

TAKUJI HAMANAKA is a teacher and freelance printer. He was an apprentice at the Adachi Woodblock Printing Studio in Tokyo, Japan. He learned printing methods by reproducing prints of old Japanese masters such as Hokusai, Hiroshige, Utamaro and others. He has worked at the Water Print Studio in Tokyo and at the Watanabe Studio in Brooklyn. Organizations he taught includes Manhattan Graphic Center, Connecticut Graphic Arts Center, The ink shop printmaking and Pyramid Atlantic. www.takujihamanaka.com

Further details from: info@paperdragonbooks.com

Garage Annex School for Book Arts Easthampton, MA, USA

2007 Programme

Apr 28 - Apr 29 - Looking at the Details Using Historical Techniques in Modern Bookwork Pamela Spitzmueller
May 5 - May 6 - Miniature Bookbindings James Reid-Cunningham
Jun 2 - Jun 3 - The Book Restructured—Wire Edge Binding Daniel E. Kelm
Jun 25 - Jun 29 - Letterpress Printing & Composition Art Larson
Jun 30 - Jun 30 - Adhesives Daniel E. Kelm
Jul 21 - Jul 22 - Concertina Spine Sewn on Tapes Daniel E. Kelm
Jul 26 - Jul 27 - The History of the Book for Book Artists Martin Antonetti
Aug 4 - Aug 5 - Leather Onlay & Inlay Daniel E. Kelm
Sep 15 - Sep 16 - Simplified Binding Laura Wait
Sep 29 - Sep 30 - The Clamshell Box for Limited Editions and Rare Book Storage Linda Lembke
Oct 20 - Oct 21 - Stationery Departures Hedi Kyle
Nov 3 - Nov 4 - On the Surface: Surface-Altering Techniques for Expressive Effect Donald Glaister
Nov 9 - Nov 11 - Material Image: The Paper Tells It All Suzanne Moore
Dec 1 - Dec 2 - Dyed Limp Vellum Mark Tomlinson

2006 - Workshop Schedule - Please visit the Garage Annex web site at www.GarageAnnexSchool.com for full workshops descriptions, instructor bios, and many images.

Further information on the above workshops is available from:

Greta D. Sibley
One Cottage Street #5
Easthampton, MA 01027
Tel: 413-529-0070
Fax: 413-529-0071
e-mail: greta@garageannexschool.com

American Academy of Bookbinding

Founded in 1993, the American Academy of Bookbinding program brings serious professionals and amateur bookbinders together to improve their skills and benefit from top-level instruction without having to study abroad. The academy holds intensive courses in the fine art of leather binding and related subjects. Join the American Academy of Bookbinding in 2007 with two campuses in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Telluride, Colorado for top level instruction. On offer are intensive courses for beginner to advance students in conservation, fine leather binding and related subjects. Degree programs are also available. For more information visit the American Academy of Bookbinding web site or contact AAB coordinator, Margaret Cruzzavala on (970) 728-3886.

2007 Course Offerings - Ann Arbor, Michigan Campus
March 12 - March 16 - Book Conservation: Restoration of Cloth & Leather Binding with Don Etherington
March 19 - 30 - Book Conservation: Forwarding & Covering of Textblocks with Don Etherington
September 17 - 21 - Alternative Decorative Techniques with Monique Lallier
September 24 - October 5 - Intermediate French Technique Binding with Monique Lallier
October 8 - 19 - Book Conservation: Treatment of Textblocks & Sewing with Don Etherington

2007 Course Offerings - Telluride, Colorado Campus
April 16 - 27 - Beginning Bookbinding with Monique Lallier
April 30 - May 10 - Book Conservation: Treatment of Textblocks & Sewing with Don Etherington
May 14 - 25 - Book Conservation: Forwarding & Covering of Textblocks with Don Etherington
May 28 - June 1 - Alternative Decorative Techniques with Monique Lallier
June 4 - 15 - Advanced French Technique Binding with Monique Lallier

Leatherwork Courses with MacGregor & Michael, Tetbury. UK

MacGregor & Michael are professional designer-makers of hand-stitched leathergoods with more than 30 years experience. Their short course builds upon the techniques described in 'The Leatherworking Handbook' by Valerie Michael. The maximum number of students is five, so each person receives individual tuition. All tools are provided for use on the courses.

Provisional Dates for 2007 and further information on the whole range of our courses, including courses on:

can be found on our website at www.leathercourses.co.uk or by contacting

Val Michael at MacGregor & Michael
37 Silver Street
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8DL
UK

e-mail: info@leathercourses.co.uk
Tel: ( 0044) 01666 502179

The Otter Bindery in Surrey, England

Workshops 2007 - 1st Saturday of Every Month plus a special one-off weekend of bookbinding in Dartingtonin September

Saturday 7 April 2007 - Fine Binding Techniques With Royston Haward
This ESSENTIAL course is for everybody both novice and experienced alike. You will learn the fundamentals in order to produce a beautifully bound leather book. Royston is exceptionally well matched to teaching traditional techniques being an apprenticed trained bookbinder with many years of experience. You will learn what you need in order to pare your leather, how to sharpen your tools if necessary and the best methodology. This course is a flexible one and the content is dependant on the attendee's interests and experiences in bookbinding.

Saturday 5 May 2007 - Paper Repair in the Conservation of Books with Donata Santorini
This course is an extremely hands on course in which all participants will learn how to repair torn pages in books in situ, how to repair holes in pages and how to do in fills. Donata is a very enthusiastic user of the leaf caster. Participants will see a slide show demonstrating its use at Warwickshire Record office and will get to try leaf casting using a portable vacuum table and a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. This course is a MUST DO for beginner and experienced alike as it incorporates much of what is necessary to know in the effective repair of paper. It is also great fun and those that attended last year became very involved in their individual projects.

Saturday 2 June 2007 - Gold Finishing With Steve Orriss
This one day course will throw you straight into the deep end! You will immediately be using real gold leaf on real leather. You will practice using rolls and fillets to create lined and patterned designs on pieces of calf and goat. You will also have a chance to practice using a type holder to create titles on false book backs. This is a fun day with the emphasis on enjoyment and learning. You will be given a list of future reading and resources in the furtherance of the craft of gold finishing and although after a day of gold finishing you will not leave a master of this particular craft, you will go away with a good idea of how to go about gold finishing and with all the necessary knowledge to take your new found skill further. Please be aware that it is necessary to purchase gold leaf for this event, which you can do on the day at the bindery if you wish. The overwhelming advice from experienced gold finishers is practice so if you have attended courses before then do attend another for the practice.

Saturday 7 July 2007 - Bookbinding with Royston Haward
Grab the chance to experience a workshop with a guru of the bookbinding world. You will pick up tips and subtleties of the craft, which would otherwise pass you by. You will be working with leather and will be required to bring a book along. Please email marysa@otterbookbinding.com for details of what would be needed. Royston is very keen to have flexibility during this day to match the course to the participants so please write, express your interest and your experience and what your particular wont is and Royston will endeavour to meet the needs of those that attend.

Saturday 4 August 2007 - Book Conservation Surgery With Donata Santorini
Innovative book conservation surgery with an emphasis on board attachment of quarter leather books from the turn of the 19th Century to the beginning of the 20th century but with a discussion on different styles. Participants should bring a variety of small books to work on which need board attachments. These techniques can be applied to bigger books as well as smaller ones.

Saturday AND Sunday 1st and 2nd September 2007 - 10am-4pm WEEKEND OF BOOKBINDING With Mary Bartlett and Marysa de Veer at Dartington Hall, Devon 12 maximum
Bring a book to bind, make a book from Scratch or learn to bind. Whether you are an experienced bookbinder or a novice, there is something for everyone in beautiful surroundings. You will have guidance from expert bookbinders that will cater to all levels. Whether you wish to bring your book and work in a guided environment or you simply want to immerse yourself in a weekend of bookbinding escapism this is the course for you. Please write to marysa@otterbookbinding.com and express your interest in attending and let us know your area of interest. This course will be very much defined by what our students would like to do. There is space and two teachers so we can accommodate a wide range. Please note the weekend does not include accommodation. A list of bed and breakfasts will be provided on request.

Saturday 6 October 2007 - Box Making With Royston Haward
This one day workshop is devoted to The Box. Drop Back box making is a skill which once mastered becomes easy. With the expert tuition of Royston Haward you will learn to become proficient in box making. Royston is an enthusiast in the double walled drop back box because of its strength and durability.

Saturday 3 November 2007 Gold Finishing With Steve Orriss
This one day course will throw you straight into the deep end! You will immediately be using real gold leaf on real leather. You will practice using rolls and fillets to create lined and patterned designs on pieces of calf and goat. You will also have a chance to practice using a type holder to create titles on false book backs. This is a fun day with the emphasis on enjoyment and learning. You will be given a list of future reading and resources in the furtherance of the craft of gold finishing and although after a day of gold finishing you will not leave a master of this particular craft, you will go away with a good idea of how to go about gold finishing and with all the necessary knowledge to take your new found skill further. Please be aware that it is necessary to purchase gold leaf for this event, which you can do on the day at the bindery if you wish. The overwhelming advice from experienced gold finishers is practice so if you have attended courses before then do attend another for the practice.

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Bind a Book With Marysa de Veer
Bring a book to bind or restore. This day is aimed at those wishing to progress their knowledge and I will gear the course around the abilities and interests of the attendees. Please write to marysa@otterbookbinding.com and let me know your particular interest.

Saturday 5 January 2008 - Begin a Book With Marysa de Veer
Bring a new book or an old book to transform. You will learn how to dismantle the book, split it into its individual sections and re-sew it. I intend to take this course at a slightly slower pace in order to attend to sewing, making made endpapers, rounding and backing, hand sewn silk headbands and cutting the boards. Do NOT expect to leave this course with a finished book. This day is a preliminary for the February course, which will be with Royston and will involve paring the leather and covering the book

Saturday 2nd February 2008 - Forward a Book With Royston Haward
In this course you will need to bring an already hand-sewn, rounded and backed book with 'made' endpapers and hand sewn headbands. You will be lacing in the cords or tapes, paring the leather for covering and then covering it. You will need to bring leather for covering, a spokeshave and a paring knife. For further details on where to obtain tools and materials please email marysa@otterbookbinding.com If you do not have leather, you can purchase a small piece on the day.

VISITS There are other visits planned. To keep up to date please check the website www.otterbookbinding.com or write to marysa@otterbookbinding.com and ask to be put on our mailing list.

Tuesday March 13 2007 - Cost£15.00 - SURREY HISTORY CENTRE, WOKING. 2pm for a one and half hour visit.
You will be taken on a guided tour of the centre which contains Surrey county archives. Sally Jenkinson will show you some of the more historically interesting books housed in the collection and talk about the conservation considerations that are taken into account in the maintenance of such a large collection of historically important documents and books. You will also have a chance to visit the conservation department where the head conservator, Jeff Dowse will show you around the studio and you will be amazed at the size of the light box used for the repair of very large maps and documents. Parking is limited so if you are driving please let me know on marysa@otterbookbinding.com so that we can co-ordinate cars to share passengers.

Wednesday 6 June 2007 - Cost£FREE - THE OTTER BINDERY - OPEN AFTERNOON .www.otterbookbinding.com 4.30pm for one hour and a half hours
Marysa is an experienced bookbinder and book conservator as well a practising artist. Marysa will put some examples of work out on display and will be happy to answer questions on all aspects of the craft. Wednesday

August 8th 2007 - Cost£15.00 - BRITISH LIBRARY, EUSTON 2pm for one and half hour visit
Please allow extra time in case this tour goes over the time limit. You will have a chance to go behind the scenes and enjoy rarely viewed documents and books undergoing treatment in the conservation studio at the British Library.

Wednesday September 26 2007 - Cost£15.00 - GUILDHALL LIBRARY 2pm for one and a half hour visit - no more than 8 visitors
A visit to Guildhall Library conservation will consist of talks by the Manuscript, Printed books and Prints & Maps conservators with a chance to see what they are working on at the time. There will also be an opportunity to see various "interesting" bindings that are in the collections.

Saturday October 13 2007 - Cost£15.00 - TREVOR LLOYD www.trevorlloyd.co.uk 2pm for a 2 hour visit
Trevor Lloyd is an experienced bookbinder and highly skilled gold finisher. His bookbinding shop is right in the heart of historic Ludlow. Trevor will have a selection of books on display and will be happy to talk to you about all aspects of gold finishing and restoration.

Wednesday December 12 2007 - Cost£FREE - THE OTTER BINDERY - OPEN AFTERNOON 4.30pm for a one and a half hours
Marysa is an experienced bookbinder and book conservator as well a practising artist. You will see photographs of work undertaken as well as work currently in progress. This is also a Christmas shopping opportunity with various hand bound gifts on display.

To download an order form for one of these courses please go to www.otterbookbinding.com and click 'Learn to Bind' *please also check website for details of organised visits to binderies and conservation studios

Please contact Marysa de Veer for further information on any of the above courses at:

The Otter Bindery
42 Hare Hill
Addlestone
Surrey
KT15 1DT
Tel/Fax +44 (0) 1932 845976
www.otterbookbinding.com
e-mail marysa@otterbookbinding.com

CBL Ascona, Switzerland

The Association centro del bel libro in Ascona is the parent institution of an internationally known and recognised technical school with the specialised areas of Bookbinding and Design and Book and Paper Conservation. The Association exists for the continued development and ever higher qualification of its instructors in both areas. Competitions and exhibitions help inform the public about their activities and expand public awareness of the book. The Association makes it possible for experts in related fields and for interested laypeople to acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to the book through special courses of instruction. The Association is a not for profit organisation. Its departments assure the smooth functioning of the school and an especially well organised office assists course participants with their stay in Ascona. The Directorate, among other duties, is charged with attracting new supporting members for the Association to en sure the continued work and development of the School. Should you be in agreement with the stated goals of the Association - we would be pleased to welcome you as a new member!

Department of Bookbinding and Design - The study areas of Bookbinding and Design offer discerning bookbinders the opportunity of technical and creative challenges. Course participants have the opportunity to further their qualifications through learning internationally recognised methods and techniques, are able to hone their skills and increase their knowledge, evaluate themselves and be inspired by colleagues. They will exchange ideas and find paths in creativity and through self reflection; paths which open up by being away from job demands and daily stress, away from routine, and the pressures of time and expectations of productivity. The annually changing course offerings are continually enhanced by timely developments to expand students' depth of understanding. They include classic hand bookbinding techniques, such as the French full leather binding, the Bradel technique, as well as hand gilding. Another area of program concentration is the contemporary design of bookbindings, in which design, technique and material complement each other and fulfil the functional and qualitative aspects of a book.

Department Book and Paper Conservation - The study of book and paper conservation at the centro del bel libro ascona assures further education specifically for book and paper restorers and delivers timely, inclusive and internationally recognised competencies in theory and practical applications. Scientific bases of restoration, restoration ethics, as well as documentation and decision making are encouraged and fostered in order to increase the knowledge of course participants in these areas. The opportunity to engage in dialogue in related disciplines, support and evaluation of innovation, and most of all development of practical skills to assure correct restoration and conservation measures - all are addressed in this context. The exchange of ideas among experts, and the addition of highly specialised guest lecturers provide the best conditions for exploring all relevant subjects in depth. Highly qualified teachers, a pleasant study and work environment, course participants from countries world wide, and the much renowned southern joie de vivre facilitate learning, ignite the desire to learn and communicate, and reward the student with improved self confidence. Building on these facts, it becomes an easy task to develop conventions for the protection of our cultural heritage, the book - a task which the centro del bel libro ascona has set itself and which it fulfils.

Further information regarding courses programs can be found on the school's web site at: www.cbl-ascona.ch

Leeds College of Technology, Yorkshire, UK

Last year with great success, Leeds College of Technology, Yorkshire, UK, ran a basic craft bookbinding course. They had a good response, with eight enrolling on the course, most of who would like to move on to more advanced level. They have also had a few interested enquiries for the next basic course. This has prompted them to set up an Intermediate Craft course, which will start in February, following on from the beginners course in September. The new course will again have a certificate from NCFE after successful completion. They intend to move on to quarter and half bound case books and quarter and half bound leather bindings.

The courses will run on Wednesday evenings, 5.00-8.30 pm., 18 weeks each course. The fee will be £150 plus a small enrollment fee.

For more information: Contacts: Mick McGregor at Leeds College of Technology
Tel: +44 (0) 113 297 6438, e-mail m.mcgregor@lct.ac.uk or Student Services: tel +44 (0) 113 297 6481

London College of Printing, London, UK

BA(HONS) Book Arts and Crafts - a course designed to develop a creative and innovative approach to the art and craft of designing and making books, as functional artifacts and art pieces.

This programme of study is unique in the United Kingdom, being the only course available specifically in book arts & crafts. The course is spread over three years, year one is mostly skills based and covers a variety of bookart areas, year two includes a range of electives allowing the student to focus on certain areas in detail. This year also includes work experience. Year three includes 2 major practical projects and a dissertation in a related area. The course starts in year one as tutor led and gradually becomes student led.

During the course visits are arranged to museums and galleries, field trips abroad and the possibility of engaging in the college exchange programme. A range of methods delivers the course: e.g. practical demonstration, lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Bookart projects are practically based and detailed feedback is always given on student's work either through assessment sheets or in tutorial. Written projects are required in the Cultural Studies and Personal and Professional Development modules.

Here is an outline of each year

Year 1 - Modules include basic skills in Printmaking, Craft bookbinding, craft printing (letterpress and screen), visual studies (drawing & illustration), photography and creative bookarts. Computer studies (computer-aided design), Cultural studies and Professional development. (CS & PPD run throughout the course). Year one is intense and requires attendance over 3/4 days.

Year 2 - Modules include advanced bookart structures and fine print production, electives include advanced printmaking & illustration, design bookbinding, artist's books, historical / oriental structures, conservation techniques and CAD etc. Students may now focus on particular area or specialism and drop areas they do not wish to pursue. PPD not only helps arrange work experience, but sets up student exhibitions in various galleries and the London Artists Bookfair each year.

Year 3 - This year is assessed over 2 major projects and 2 lesser projects. You will be expected to produce a dissertation of around 5000/6000 words and produce a Major Elective Study, which is assessed by exhibition. Projects are student led, this year of the course using a supervision/tutorial system for major projects. Students also set up their own exhibition in a private gallery during this final year. Technical help and advice is always available and most tutors operate an "open door" policy for students who need one-to-one help.

Exit Profile - Over 70% of graduates find employment in areas related to the course programme,(2002). Some have gone into teaching (PGTC) some onto post graduate education, (MA Bookarts, MA Fine Art, MA Product Design and MA Publishing etc.)

This art and design course using as it does a range of 3D graphics and the book as a medium has a wide range of applications. Graduates work as makers in bookbinding, printers in Fine press (Limited Edition), printmakers, illustrators, book designers using the latest computer applications, in art departments for publishers, paper engineering (pop-ups), board-game and package design, book & card production and as exhibiting book artists.

Students have exhibited to acclaim in major galleries and won international awards in France, UK, USA and Holland. This (undergraduate) course has been generally recognised as being the best available in this field. Resources are second to none, fully equipped workshops coupled with experienced staff all of whom practice within their specialism, professionally, (e.g. printmaking is taught by Tessa Holmes, exhibiting printmaker and Visual studies by the artist Daphne Plessner)

Full-time students at the LCC (lcp) ,also have the advantage of being offered a large range of related "bolt-on" courses, free, to enhance their studies. The course is relatively small, targets for each year being only 25. The age range is from 18 years, at present there is a 65/35 ratio women to men. Retention rate is 92% (2002/03). HEFC inspection rating is 22/24. Students come from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, e.g. Taiwan, Germany, France, Sweden, USA, Brazil, Spain, Greece, Japan and Korea.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the college. For full curriculum details and further information, please contact Mike Brunwin at: m.brunwin@lcp.linst.ac.uk or telephone on 0207 514 6500 (ex.6660) or write to:

UCAS entry codes;
route A Linst L65 WW27 Ba/BArts
Route B Linst L65 EW 27 Ba/BArts

London College of Communication (formally London College of Printing) School of Printing & Publishing, Elephant & Castle, London SE1 6SB
(The London Institute becomes the "University of the Arts,London" in May 2004)

Oxford Brookes University - Evening Classes

These non-vocational classes provide an introduction to bookbinding, examining the techniques, materials and equipment needed to bind and repair books. Traditional methods are considered in conjunction with practical alternatives. Students will achieve an understanding of the requirements and processes involved in producing clean, neat, basic work. Students work at their own pace and are individually tutored.

For further information, please contact:
Ian Ross - Tutor and Organiser, Bookbinding Evening Classes
Oxford Brookes University, School of Arts & Humanities, OXFORD OX3 0BP

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 793083 or e-mail : binding@ianaross.f2s.com