Summerfield Courses 2011

Monique Lallier and Don Etherington will teach a few weeks of classes at their studio in Summerfield, North Carolina. We hope that this location may appeal to students in the east, south and central part of the country. Classes will be held during the summer months and are at a good time for those who cannot attend during the spring or fall. The Lallier/Etherington studio will only accommodate five students at a time, so register early.

Fundamentals of Bookbinding

Intermediate Fine Binding
June 20-July 1
Instructor Monique Lallier
Two weeks, course fee: $1500
This is an entry-level class for the fine binding and book conservation programs, as well as an intermediate class for continuing fine binding students. In this class, students will learn and develop an understanding of traditional bookbinding techniques, beginning with a laced-on leather covered board structure. The class will introduce and further acquaint students with techniques needed in future fine binding and specialty courses at the Academy. Students will become familiar with hand sewing using a sewing frame, rounding and backing, edge decoration, weaving headbands, as well as leather paring and applying leather to their books.

The focus of the class will be on learning and revisiting sound bookbinding techniques with special emphasis on working with leather. Beginning students will complete a half-leather and a full-leather book and intermediate students will complete two full-leather books in the two-week course. No fine binding experience is needed for beginning students. Those new to AAB who wish to take the class as an intermediate student must first send samples of their work for evaluation.

Basics in Paper Conservation and Sewing Structures

July 11-22
Instructor Don Etherington
Two weeks, course fee: $1500
In the first week, participants will learn various repair techniques for tears and losses, humidification, basic washing and deacidification of paper. Morning lectures will cover history of paper making, basic paper chemistry, material studies as well as damage analysis and condition reports. The goal of this course is to apply as much of the theory in hands-on treatments as possible and give ample time for practice. Participants are encouraged to bring their own items to work on and prepare books for the following week. Students should bring 3 textblocks in need of treatment and sewing, preferably not more than one inch thick and 12 inches tall. If possible, the textblocks should have been printed before 1850.

The second week will focus on various methods of sewing that will include link stitch and sewing on single and double cords using herringbone or ‘all along’ sewing. Sewing using a concertina guard will be practiced. Various styles of endpapers will be constructed and attached to the textblocks. No prior bookbinding or conservation experience is necessary to attend this class.