Bookbinding: box making
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VD327
- Dates: 04/11/24 - 09/12/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ina Baumeister
Course Code: VD327
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will look at a range of examples and learn how to make box containers made to a set size. You will explore construction with board and use book cloth and paper for covering.
What will we cover?
You will be introduced to construction techniques enabling you to make a slipcase clamshell/solander box and a two-part box box.Through the making of these structures you will gain a good working knowledge of the materials and techniques required to develop your box making skills for future projects.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- select and use appropriate materials
- describe the importance of grain direction
- make constructed boxes using board and cloth
- demonstrate the importance of accurate measuring.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for beginners and those with some experience.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for 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.
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 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?
Materials needed to complete the projects are included in the cost of the course but you might like to bring your own decorative papers and or/cloth to complete the work. The bindery is equipped with most hand tools although you may wish to provide and use your own personal hand tools. A list of equipment and suppliers will be provided at the first lesson but if you already have all or some of the following bring them with you. - Pencil, metal ruler, craft knife, bone folder.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- VD435 Bookbinding for beginners: simple leather binding
- VD375 Bookbinding: binding on stubs
- VD410 Beginning miniature binding
- VO113 Bookbinding: rare book design drop back box.
Ina is a professional bookbinder and box-maker. She holds an MA in Book Art from UAL Camberwell and a master-craftsmanship from the German Crafts Council and Guild of Bookbinders in Munich. As a binder she works with contemporary arts organisation Book Works, the Tate Paper and Photography conservation department as well as other organisations and clients. Most of her work life is closely linked to contemporary art, art publishing and the creative industries. Besides working professionally as a bookbinder for nearly twenty years, Ina teaches and lectures for universities all over London on a wide range of courses, such as photography, printmaking, design, illustration, fine art and architecture. Ina also delivers tailored staff training to universities and other institutions such as the Tate and Houses of Parliament. Ina says that she rates bookbinding as an art in itself but also sees it as part of a toolkit for a wide range of creative professions.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.