Bookbinding for Beginners and Improvers

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].

Mark Cockram

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.

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.

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.

• 
  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.

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.