Course description
What is the course about?
How to prepare ('forward') a text-block up to the point where it is ready to be covered and then how to prepare leather and cover the forwarded book with a full leather binding. The course will then cover the subsequent finishing processes such as putting down leather joints, filling-in and putting in doublures. You should bring to the first class a book that is appropriate for a fine binding: it should be of good quality paper with a good standard of typography.
What topics will we cover?
All the techniques and processes preparatory to covering a full-leather fine binding, i.e. board lamination, endpapers, sewing, rounding and backing, lacing on boards, end banding, spine linings and the final preparation for covering. All aspects preparatory to the covering process, e.g. tool preparation, paring. Then covering in full leather; putting down leather joints: trimming out and filling-in; putting in doublures and some decorative techniques.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
• Select appropriate materials
• Make laminated boards
• Construct leather-jointed endpapers
• Rough-edge gild the pages of your book
• Round and back correctly
• Chamfer and lace on boards
• Sew multi-coloured endbands
• Sharpen tools
• Pare leather accurately
• Cover a book in full leather
• Put down leather joints
• Prepare and put in paper/leather doublures
What level is the course?
Intermediate and advanced students who wish to increase their knowledge and refine their skill.
How will I be taught?
Demonstration; group and individual tuition.
Are there any other costs (e.g. certification, materials, equipment or books I need to buy)?
The bindery is equipped with most tools but you will be expected to provide your own personal hand tools. The class has some materials which may be bought, but you will need to buy leather and some specific hand-made papers. Information and advice on materials and larger pieces of equipment will always be available. You should expect to spend up to £20 to provide yourself with the basic hand tools.
What feedback will I get?
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
'Gold Tooling' in the summer term is then the logical next course; alternatively, you may take 'Making a unique artist's book' in the summer term.
