About Bookbinding Masterclass
Join us over a weekend to explore the codex book form, making three different versions to take home. Beginning with the simple single-section, soft-cover sewn pamphlet book, we will progress to a dos-à-dos, and then to a hard-back, multi-section case binding, suitable for notes, sketches and creative writing. Each form builds on techniques from the last.
By the end of the two days, you leave with your own set of unique books and an understanding of the different stages and technical processes involved in making a book by hand from scratch.
This course, led by Shelagh McCarthy, is suitable for beginners. All tools and materials will be supplied, but if you have your own decorative papers you’d like to use, or your own artwork, creative writing or photographs you’d like to include in your finished book, please bring them with you on the first day.
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More information
Shelagh McCarthy
Shelagh is a bookbinder and printmaker with a wealth of experience in teaching adults with a broad range of abilities.
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As well as regularly contributing to the Library's learning programmes, she has designed and led creative workshops and courses for various London institutions including Central Saint Martins, the British Museum, Battersea Arts Centre and The Guardian Education Centre.
Programme
Saturday: Single-section books
We begin with a discussion about the history of the codex form, and start learning the simple and elegant pamphlet stitch. You will make two variations of single-section books, getting a feel for working with paper, understanding grain direction and sewing.
Throughout the day we explore the tools and materials required to create books, considering the design and purpose of the book, and how to incorporate your own artwork. Additionally, you’ll prepare pages, cut cover boards and select your book cloth and decorative endpapers for the multi-section book you’ll make on Sunday.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are served on arrival. A vegetarian sandwich lunch is served around 12.30.
Sunday: Multi-section case binding
In our second session we use the skills gained on the first day to create a multi-section case binding that you can use as a sketchbook or journal.
You’ll learn how to fold, stitch and bind multiple sections, prepare and line book spines, incorporate decorative endpapers and assemble the components in a cloth binding. We will finish our masterclass by discussing the work you have produced.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are served on arrival. A vegetarian sandwich lunch is served around 12.30.
Previous skills, knowledge or experience
None required. This course is suitable for beginners or those with some knowledge of bookbinding who would like to refresh their skills.
Equipment and materials
All materials will be provided. If you have your own decorative papers you’d like to use, or your own artwork, creative writing or photographs you’d like to include in your finished book, please bring them with you on the first day. During the course we will cover health and safety instructions for using our press, and other specialist equipment and materials.
Facilities
On Saturday, please gather outside the Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre on the lower ground floor from 10.15. The course will begin promptly at 10.30.
On Sunday, participants will need to enter the Library via Gate 5 on Midland Road. Please meet at Gate 5 from 10.15 on the day and you will be escorted into the building at 10.25. Further instructions will be emailed to you in advance of the course.
Refreshments
Tea and coffee is provided in the morning each day. A vegetarian sandwich lunch is provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements by emailing adultlearning@bl.uk.
Accessibility
Accessibility information for the British Library can be found on our Visit Us page. Please email adultlearning@bl.uk to discuss your access requirements.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for Young Persons (16–25s) and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit. Press Book Now to see the full range of concessions for this event.
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