Fine Binding Bookbinding courses London: City Lit

Bookbinding: fine binding - forwarding and covering

An intermediate/advanced course in the techniques necessary to make a full leather binding. Practise board lamination, leather-jointed endpapers, guarding, edge gilding, lacing-on boards, tool sharpening, paring, covering, inlays/onlays and putting down doublures.

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Key course information

Dates
20/09/11 - 27/03/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
24 weeks

Time
10:00 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £795
Senior fee: £506
Concession: £356

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VD194

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

How to prepare ('forward') a text-block up to the point where it is ready to be covered, 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 and putting in doublures. Advanced learners will explore decorative techniques. 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 – please ask in advance if you're unsure of what to bring. This course is for intermediate and advanced students.

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.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Make two types of 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 and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for intermediate and advanced students who wish to increase their knowledge and refine their skill. This course is not suitable for beginners.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstration, group and individual tuition.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

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 £30 to provide yourself with the basic hand tools.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

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.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

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.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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