Bookbinding for beginners 2: a leather-bound book

Learn how to prepare and cover a book with an attractive quarter leather binding with decorative paper or cloth sides. Learn how to make endpapers, to round and back the spine, to lace-on the cover boards and how to pare and cover the spine with leather.

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Key course information

Dates
09/01/12 - 26/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
12 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £371
Senior fee: £253
Concession: £168

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VD195

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?

The making of a quarter-leather bound book through a series of progressive steps designed to provide a good working knowledge of materials and techniques and technical terms. You will develop skills in both the making and design of a hand made book enabling you to go onto more complex and experimental bindings.

What topics will we cover?

Learn the traditional techniques of sewing a multi-sectioned book. This will include rounding and backing, lacing on boards, made endpapers and headbands, also leather preparation for covering.

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

• demonstrate a good understanding of materials and their appropriate use
• sew a headband
• construct made endpapers
• pare leather
• understand the terminology.

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

For beginners as well as for those with some experience.

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?

Through demonstration, practice and discussion you will be taught as a group and helped individually as required. Handouts will accompany demonstrations. You will be encouraged to investigate the current and historical literature on the subject, and will be informed of publications and events which maybe of interest. The course is structured to manage the work within the class.

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 handtools. Nothing need be bought before starting the course. A list of equipment and suppliers will be provided at the first lesson. The class has some materials which may be bought. It is expected that you will increasingly provide your own as your experience and individual requirements and preferences, develop. Information and advice on materials and larger pieces of equipment will always be available. You should expect to spend up to £35 to provide yourself with the basic handtools and leather.

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?

There are a range of courses in bookbinding and conservation at City Lit. Please see the course guide or browse the website for further 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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