Course - Bookbinding: gold tooling on leather and paper
Course descriptionWhat is the course about?
How to gold tool on leather and paper.
What topics will we cover?
Demonstration of the basic processes of tooling in gold leaf on leather and paper; introduction to the terminology, special equipment and different types of finishing tools and their functions. Students with some previous experience of gold tooling can plan and execute a design on a leather or paper-bound book.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- Handle gold leaf.
- Describe a gold tooling process using the correct terminology.
- Transform a design into a gold-tooled image on leather or paper.
- Be confident in the practice of gold tooling on leather.
What level is the course?
All levels.
How will I be taught?
Demonstrations, both group and individual.
Are there any other costs (e.g. certification, materials, equipment or books I need to buy)?
Yes, please bring the following materials and equipment:
* A book of 23.5 carat loose gold leaf (e.g. Superieur)
* 2 soft white cotton dish cloths
* Finishing tools you may have and want to use
* A Ramer shower sponge (Boots the Chemist)
(To be used as a cooling pad)
* A saucer on which to keep your sponge
* Size 000 sable brush (make sure it's a good quality brush that holds its point)
* A 100g container of Vaseline
* A small bulldog clip
* Apron
* Fine bonefolder
* Your usual kit of small tools (i.e. pencil, eraser, ruler, scalpel, dividers etc.)
Please also bring the following (Only if you have them/it):
Please note that there will be a charge of £3 in week one, for materials prepared and supplied by the tutor, plus a charge of £1.50 for a small glass container of BS Glaire which the tutor will sell to you if you need it. If you have done this course before, and want to make your own sample boards for the course, please make four leather sample boards 80 x 100mm and one leather covered sample board 210 x 148mm, ensuring the archival board and kraft follow the same grain direction!
(Please note: If you plan to gold tool a bound book or a sample board in preparation for tooling a particular book, you need to think about what sort of image you would like to undertake and make preparatory drawings. The design should be appropriate for the medium of gold tooling and relate to the content of the book).
What feedback will I get?
The tutor will give you feedback individually and in a group discussion. You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Yes, please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.