Bookbinding courses in London

This course is deal if you have some bookbinding conservation experience and want to develop your skills further by working on your own projects with advice and guidance. Each term will include demonstrations that focus on a different aspect of book conservation.

This is an intermediate-level course which offers an introduction to working with leather, leather paring and to the technical aspects of creating a fine binding. It is aimed at students who have some bookbinding experience and will introduce you to new skills and techniques, enabling you to develop and build on your existing knowledge of traditional and contemporary bookbinding. If you enrol on this course, please read  section 7 of the course outline, as you will need to bring some decorative paper for the first session. This course is not suitable for beginners.

Term dates

• Term 1  21/9/2026 – 19/10/2026 (Half term week 26/10/2026) 02/11/2026 – 30/11/2026 
• Term 2  11/01/2027 – 08/02/2027 (Half term week 15/02/2027) 22/02/2027 – 22/03/2027 

Step into bookbinding with this three-term course. Learn essential techniques and develop skills in using tools and materials to produce your own work. A stimulating, challenging and comprehensive introduction for beginners.

The RFSA Foundation helps widen access to art and design education by supporting learners facing financial, personal or practical barriers. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for funding towards this course. Read our step-by-step bursary guidance here to find out more and apply.

Term dates

• Term 1 Tuesday 22/09/2026 - 20/10/2026 (Half term week 27/10/2026) 03/11/2026 - 15/12/2026
• Term 2 Tuesday 05/01/2027 - 09/02/2027 (Half term week 16/02/2027) 23/02/2027 - 23/03/2027
• Term 3 Tuesday 13/04/2027 - 25/05/2027 (Half term week 01/06/2027) 08/06/2027 - 13/07/2027

Create two attractive, functional books which slip neatly into bespoke covers. Internal pockets mean the books can be removed and a replaced with a new one when full. Beautifully reusable wrapping!

Explore simple printmaking and bookbinding techniques to create handmade artists’ books. This practical four-day course encourages playful and creative approaches to print, paper and folded book forms. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.

Learn how to make single sheet folded books, a simple multi-section sewn book and a folded slipcase. This weekend course is an opportunity to make an exciting range of notebooks and folders and learn some useful bookbinding techniques. Suitable for beginners.

This course introduces the fascinating art of marbling. You will learn how to create beautiful papers that can be used on a range of craft projects, around the home or just enjoyed for their endless variations. You will learn about the materials, tools and techniques historically associated with Turkish, European and Japanese marbling and you can experiment with pattern and colour to create your own responses to this ancient craft.

Learn paper repair including toning, lining and infilling, and the repair and conservation of tight and hollow-backed full, half or quarter leather-bindings. This course is ideal if you have some bookbinding experience.

Come and immerse yourself in the art of bookbinding with this 6-week, accessible introduction. Whether you're taking your first steps or picking up the craft again, this course will equip you with essential techniques that will enable you to start creating your own handcrafted books and containers. Beginners will build strong foundational skills, while returners can refresh their skills and explore new creative possibilities.