Book repair and conservation: leather-bound books

For students with some experience of bookbinding. Learn paper repair including toning, lining and infilling, and the repair and conservation of tight- and hollow-backed full, half or quarter leather bindings. Basic materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
11/01/12 - 14/03/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
10 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £311
Senior fee: £212
Concession: £142

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VD203

Availability
This date is full

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a structured course covering the repair and conservation of leather bound books. Attention will be paid to the maintenance of historical detail, with emphasis being placed on conservation principles.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover the assessment, repair and conservation of a 'tight-back' and a 'hollow-back', leather bound book.

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

- Re-back one tight-backed and/or one hollow-backed binding
- Undertake paper repairs
- Remove old spines
- Pare leather accurately
- Dye leather
- Cover a book with leather confidently.

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

You are not required to have previous experience of repair and conservation work but will need a reasonable level of experience in hand bookbinding ie. have undertaken a basic or introductory course in bookbinding. You need to have some familiarity with the terminology used and be confident in handling materials and equipment. You must be able to pare leather and have your own paring knives. Some historical knowledge of bookbinding would be an advantage.

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?

Group tuition and demonstration, and individual attention as required. Some handouts will be provided, but you will be expected to keep and use your own working notes.

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

You must provide your own books to work on, and to have these available at the beginning of the course. Guidance will be given on the first day as to what is required and appropriate. The bindery is equipped with most tools, but you will be expected to use your own hand tools. The class has some materials which may be bought, and you will be given guidance for providing your own.

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?

Further conservation classes - please see the course guide or browse the website for information.

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.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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