Join our experts for this bookbinding for beginners and improvers course. This course covers both restoration of existing books and the creation of new bindings. This course is equally suitable for beginners and those with previous experience, since tuition is given according to individual needs.

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The course emphasises the traditional skills and techniques of hand binding and helps you develop a deeper insight into this rewarding craft.

Of all man’s enduring artefacts the bound book is surely one of the most enlightening, useful and pleasing.  Its present accepted form and structure results from 2,000 years of evolution, which has imposed craft disciplines unknown to the reader but a source of fascination to the enquiring booklover.  This workshop will introduce you to the foundations of good hand binding and repair, dwelling on the important ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’.  Although essentially a practical course, the exploration of underlying objectives in fine work will be covered in our discussions.

Whether you are completely new to bookbinding or already have some experience, we suggest that you bring along a selection of possible projects on which to work during the course.  Advice will then be given as to the most suitable items to attempt.

Possible examples are:

  • Making plain paper books.
  • Loose material suitable for binding.
  • Bound books in need of repair (If in any doubt about an item bring it along for consideration!).

You can expect to receive instruction in various stages of producing a bound book:

  • Making up book sections.
  • Preparation for and the technique of sewing.
  • Making up endpapers and their attachment.
  • Cutting the book with the use of plough and press.
  • Rounding and backing the spine with the use of lying press.
  • Cutting, making and attaching the cover.
  • Lettering.
  • Slip cases and boxes.

The aim is for everyone to leave on the last day with several finished items.  If you would like to discuss the course content or a particular project further you may email the tutor direct on [email protected].

About the tutors

Mark Cockram

(Mark will be hosting this course in 2024)

Mark Cockram is a full time bookbinder with over 40 years experience working with the book. Mark was elected Fellow of Designer Bookbinders in 2001, Brother of the Art Workers Guild in 2008 and more recently, in 2017, was the Faculty Fellow for the New York Centre for Book Arts. Marks diverse work can be found in National and International collections, both public and private around the world. He has recently been made a Special Research Fellow for the University of Shanghai Science and Technology College of Communication and Art Design.

Paul Garcia

(Paul will be hosting this course in May and October)

Paul has been binding books for 16 years, and has been chair of the East Anglian branch of the Society of Bookbinders since 2015. He has taught bookbinding at Colchester Institute and the University of Suffolk, as well as leading a local bookbinding group. His books have been exhibited at The Guildhall Hall in Bury St Edmunds, The Minories in Colchester, and Ickworth House in Horringer. Paul is keen to ensure that the craft of hand binding is passed on to as many people as possible, since the creation of book is the nearest thing to magic that a person can experience.

Mylyn McColl

(Mylyn will be hosting this course in February and August)

Mylyn has been working as a professional bookbinder since 2005. She discovered bookbinding whilst studying a graphic design degree at KIAD and immediately fell in love with it. She honed her craft within various trade binderies across the UK from Delta Design Studio in London to RD&W in Falkirk and London Bookbinding. Alongside developing her fine binding skills with Mark Cockram and Kathy Abbott.

Her design background lends itself well to creating design bindings and Mylyn has twice been awarded prizes for her bindings. An active member within the bookbinding community; she has sat on the Society of Bookbinders L&S regional committee and has been organiser of the SoB International Competition.

Mylyn is currently Principal Tutor for Bound by Veterans, a charity providing rehabilitation and respite to military veterans and family through the restorative powers of bookbinding. In addition to this she works from her home studio in Wiltshire and teaches bookbinding and boxmaking at a variety of venues across the South of England.

She loves books, loves binding and loves sharing her skills and joy of the craft.

About Flatford Mill

We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is un-suitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible. Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Explore our range of craft courses and traditional skills courses hosted by our engaging tutors and learn from their expertise and skills. Our art courses are a chance to meet like-minded people and a chance to unwind from everyday life. They are a great opportunity to experience the UK’s glorious countryside surrounding our field centres.

  • A display of books made on the FSC bookbinding course

Example Timetable

Arrival Day

Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.

What's Included

  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.

Before You Attend

What to Bring.

All the materials to carry out this work will be available at the Centre, as will much of the equipment. You are, however, asked to try and provide the following items for your personal use:

  • Craft knife and blades.
  • Sharp scissors.
  • Steel rule and a pencil.
  • Overalls or an apron.
  • A cutting mat if you have one.

If you have any difficulty with these items, or any specialist materials, please let us know and we’ll try to help.

Opportunities to attend this course

  • Mon 17, February 2025 16:00 - Fri 21, February 2025 16:00

    Location
    Flatford Mill
    Price
    £380 - £590
    Tutor
    Mylyn McColl
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Wed 28, May 2025 16:00 - Sun 01, June 2025 16:00

    Location
    Flatford Mill
    Price
    £380 - £590
    Tutor
    Paul Garcia
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 04, August 2025 16:00 - Fri 08, August 2025 16:00

    Location
    Flatford Mill
    Price
    £380 - £590
    Tutor
    Mylyn McColl
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 27, October 2025 16:00 - Fri 31, October 2025 16:00

    Location
    Flatford Mill
    Price
    £380 - £590
    Tutor
    Paul Garcia
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item