fall overview
Fundamentals of Bookbinding
September 13-24
Instructor: Monique Lallier
Course Fee: $1500
In this introduction to leather binding, students will learn the different steps of traditional bookbinding, beginning with case binding, and will lay the foundation for future fine binding and specialty courses. Students will be introduced to sewing using a sewing frame, rounding and backing, edge decoration, headbands, as well as leather paring and applying leather to the book. The focus of the class will be on learning sound bookbinding techniques with special emphasis on working with leather. Students will complete a half-leather binding in the first week and a full-leather binding in the second week. This is an entry-level course to fine binding. No experience is required.
Account Bookbinding with Springback
September 27-October 1
Instructor: Don Etherington
Course Fee: $800
Springback is a binding technique invented by the Englishmen John and Joseph Williams in 1799. The purpose of the springback spine is to cause a book to lie flat so as to facilitate its being written in. The device acts as a spring, and its pressure on the sides of the book near the spine causes the book to snap open and shut. In this five-day course, students will sew and cover one or more account books with a springback. If time permits, a cover utilizing Russia bands (used to strengthen large volumes) will be attempted. No previous bookbinding experience is required.
Stiff Board and Limp Binding in Vellum
October 4-8
Instructor: Don Etherington
Course Fee: $800
Vellum is a beautiful, semi-translucent, historical material that has been used to create very durable bindings since early times. It is not used as much in modern binding, but remains quite appropriate for strong and beautiful bindings. In this five-day course, at least two blank books (folded and sewn in the class) will be bound in historical vellum styles. One book will be bound in a 16th century style of stiff board vellum with alum tawed leather band covers over the raised bands and visible through a slotted spine. The second binding will be a 16th century style limp vellum with yapp edges, sewn on either alum tawed thongs or vellum slips. Basic experience in bookbinding is required to attend this class.
