Dates for your Diary
*Society of Bookbinders Conference, York 14th-16th August 2026
Two days of lectures, demonstrations and conversation for bookbinders of all levels
The biennial conference offers bookbinders of all skill levels a chance to learn and broaden their knowledge. The 2026 conference takes place at York University on 14–16 August. Speakers cover a wide range of subjects from design binding to conservation and history, with demonstrations on useful aspects of construction. After each talk or demonstration, you will have a chance to speak further with the speaker and see their work. Speakers include Kate Holland, Dominic Riley, Gillian Stewart, Suzanne Schmollegruber and Ann-Marie Miller.
The Trade Fair and Competition exhibition will both be open from mid-morning on Friday. Friday afternoon includes two lectures and the AGM. Saturday offers a full day of lectures, paced to give you time to talk with speakers after their presentations. The Conference Dinner and auction will bring the conference to a celebratory close.
Further information is available from the society's web site at
www.societyofbookbinders.com
*Ludlow Fine Book Fair, 17th-18th October 2026
The Ludlow Fine Book Fair runs bi-annually over a Saturday and Sunday with around 35 stands celebrating books – covering bookbinders, presses, dealers, suppliers, and related organisations.
The 2026 Fair will be held on 17th and 18th October 2026 in the Clive Pavilion at the Ludlow Racecourse, just outside the picturesque market town of Ludlow, Shropshire.
For further details and to sign up, please visit
ludlowfinebookfair.co.uk.
*The Standards of Excellence Seminar in Hand Bookbinding, 5th-7th November 2026
The Standards of Excellence Seminar in Hand Bookbinding is the annual Guild of Book Workers conference. Held annually at a different location around the USA, participants attend presentations by leading experts in the fields related to the book and paper arts.
Tours of binderies, conservation facilities, rare book libraries and papermaking establishments are regularly arranged in conjunction with the event.
The Guild's Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with the seminar. Many well known Vendors also attend the conference and offer high quality tools and supplies for sale throughout the event. The vendor room is open to the public.
For further details and to sign up, please visit
guildofbookworkers.org.