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.

Paul Garcia

(Paul will be hosting this course in August 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.

Toben Lewis

(Further information to follow)

Residential accommodation at Flatford Mill is provided within our historic Grade I listed buildings. Rooms are clean, comfortable and functional, but are intentionally simple and should be considered field centre accommodation rather than hotel-standard accommodation. Many guests value the character and heritage of the site, although facilities reflect the age and nature of the buildings.

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 unsuitable 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:

Essential items: 

• Cutting Mat
• Craft Knife/Scalpel and spare blades
• Pencils and a sharpener
• Safety or steel ruler – 2 rulers if possible
• Scissors
• Cloth or sponge
• Bulldog clips
• Apron

Desirable items if you have them: 

• Bone  or Teflon Folder
• Bookbinders/cobblers hammer
• Awl
• Paste Brush or small paint roller set
• Small weight

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