Bookbinding weekend: endband extravaganza
Course Code: VD360
Duration: 2 sessions
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What is the course about?
Endbands (headbands) have been used throughout the history of bookbinding both as a structural and decorative
element. On this course, you will learn about the history of endbands and how they differ depending on the book
structure or their country of origin. You will be shown how to sew different types of endbands before practising
some of these on your own books.
What will we cover?
Firstly, you will be shown how to make different cores. You will be shown how to sew the following endbands: an
historic plain linen thread wound on a leather thong, Islamic chevron, French double, traditional two-coloured
striped, contemporary multi-coloured/multi stranded, ‘Manhattan’ (an end band sewn on an uneven edge – usually a
deckled edge– which takes on the appearance of the Manhattan skyline).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify the origin of different types of endbands
• Sew different types of endbands
• Experiment using silk, polyester and linen threads
• Decipher when to use different types of core to produce certain endbands.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners, though some experience would be beneficial. You should be fairly dextrous
and patient, as this topic is quite fiddly.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by demonstration, individual and group tuition. Handouts will be provided but you will be expected
to take your own notes. You may wish to practice what you have learned on the evening between classes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
• old paperbacks with covers attached (at least 2) to practise sewing end bands on, and/or some sewn and glued up
book-blocks: these should be at least 20mm thick
• 100 per cent silk threads in 100/3 and/or 40/3 gauge, in a variety of colours (Gütermann is a good brand) and as
many colours as you wish to use.
• Polyester thread, if the thinner silk thread is difficult to come across. (Cotton and rayon threads are not suitable).
• A pack of assorted darning needles.
• A thimble
• Small sharp scissors
• a dress maker’s pin
• a pack of mini post-it notes
• some scraps of leather in various thicknesses
• scraps of vellum if you have any
• a small pair of pliers or gripper tweezers
• a scalpel with 10A blade
• a steel ruler
• a pencil
• A pair of small dividers (100-120mm/4"-5") if you have a pair.
• A small (1cm wide or less) brush to apply glue.
• A magnifying visor (if you struggle with your eyesight).
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?
- VD322 City Lit bookbinding: intermediate
- VD357 Bradel binding
- VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes
- VD402 Hand Marbled Paper
- VD251 Working with leather: decorative techniques.
Kathy Abbott served a four-year apprenticeship in bookbinding and then gained a Higher National Diploma from the London College of Printing, London (UK) followed by a BA (Hons) degree in Bookbinding from Roehampton University, Surrey (UK). She teaches advanced level Fine Binding and Bookbinding: Intermediate and Higher at the City Lit, London and conducts many other workshops across the UK and overseas. Kathy opened her own bookbinding workshop in London in 1997, where she specializes in Islamic book conservation, western book conservation and contemporary fine binding, and is also a partner in Benchmark Bindery, established in 2009 with Tracey Rowledge, to produce high quality and intelligent bookbinding work. She is a founder member of Tomorrow's Past, an international bookbinding collective and is the author of Bookbinding: A step-by-step guide, published by the Crowood Press in 2010. Her work is held in both private and public collections and her work is exhibited widely.
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.