Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Experimental books: exploring new paper-covered bookbinding structures

Develop your knowledge of bookbinding and combine it with your ideas, to explore new paper-covered book structures that will function beautifully. This course will also explore the creative possibilities of gold tooling on paper.

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Key course information

Dates
12/01/12 - 22/03/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
11 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £226
Senior fee: £226
Concession: £119

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VD236

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

Understanding how a book functions is the key to exploring the creative potential of bookbinding. Whether you are at an intermediate or advanced level this course is a great way to consolidate and build on your knowledge of bookbinding whilst simultaneously exploring your own ideas for alternative structures. This course is also an opportunity to learn about gold tooling and tooling in carbon on paper and how to use it as a creative medium. This part of the course is designed to work in parallel with the journey you’ll make with your bookbinding.

What topics will we cover?

Each week the focus will be on a different element of the book, to create a solid foundation of understanding on which to build your ideas. You will be introduced to various alternative book structures created by the tutor and other contemporary makers; to look in detail at how a book can look, function and feel. Gold tooling and tooling in carbon on paper will also be explored, to investigate its creative potential as a means to express your ideas on the cover of the book.

To maximize your learning, personal research will be undertaken between sessions enabling you to explore in more details the theme of the week. Various samples will be made throughout the course, continually developing how to think about making in a more lateral way, resulting in your making your own book structure that works as a whole.

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

As an intermediate student:
- built on your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the craft
- be able to work an idea through to a book structure
- achieve a higher level of craftsmanship

As an advanced student:
- consolidate knowledge and use it as a creative tool
- experiment with confidence
- create a book structure to a high standard of design and craftsmanship.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Intermediate and advance levels in bookbinding (You don’t need to have prior knowledge or experience of gold tooling).

Intermediate level - if you have some prior experience of the subject but do not yet consider yourself to be at an advanced level.

Advanced level – if you have done a significant amount of learning in this subject already, and wish to further advance your skills. You are able to work with some independence within the subject.

You should also be able to follow written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safely 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?

This is an exploratory and practical course and will be taught by demonstration, both group and individual and by group discussion. Teaching will be accompanied by handouts, a bibliography of the subject and information on relevant exhibitions and places to see interesting bookbindings. To maximize your learning, personal research will be undertaken between sessions enabling you to explore in more details the theme of each week.

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

Please bring with you:
- HB pencil
- Eraser
- 300mm/12” steel ruler
- Swann Morton scalpel and pack of 10a blades
- Apron
- Pair of dividers (spring loaded)
- A pricker/pin vice/ fine bodkin
- Sketchbook/notebook
- Small glue brush
- Fine bonefolder (if you have one)
- Teflon folder (if you have one)
- Bonefolder
- Scissors (small pair)
- A sewing cradle for pricking sections (if you have one)
- A set square

Equipment and materials you will need for gold tooling in latter half of course (not necessary for session 1)
- A Ramer shower sponge (e.g. 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
- A book of loose gold leaf (e.g. 23.5 carat)
- 2 soft white cotton dish cloths

You should expect to spend up to £40 to provide yourself with materials during the course, some of which will be available to purchase in class. The overall cost of materials will depend on how many samples and books you make and the cost of the paper you choose to use for your work.

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?

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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Visual arts