Beginning miniature bookbinding
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- Start Date: 06 Nov 2025End Date: 27 Nov 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over -4 weeks)Course Code: VD410Tutors: Royston HawardFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00
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What is the course about?
This course will give you an introduction to the making of books that are no bigger than 7.5cm in length, but some may be much smaller. You will make three different books to gain an understanding of the processes involved in making tiny books and create miniature decorative papers with which to cover your books.
What will we cover?
There will be a presentation in which we will look at the history and psychology of miniature books with specific examples.We will consider choice of materials and techniques appropriate for working to these dimensions and investigate ways to overcome constraints. We will explore making miniature decorative papers for covering and how to make to scale, creating a Japanese stab binding, a cloth case-binding and a 17th century-style long-stitch binding. We will also delve into making basic equipment for miniature bookbinding, such as the laying press.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain the skill, care and time involved in making small books.
- Make decorative papers that are fit for covering miniature books.
- Make to scale: a Japanese paper stab binding, a cloth case binding and a 17th century leather/faux leather long-stitch binding.
- Confidently build on your learning to further your skills and knowledge.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course requires a basic ability to use hand tools confidently. Some experience of bookbinding is useful but not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by practical demonstrations, supported by handouts and individual tuition.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are tools available to use in the workshop but please bring your own tool kit if you have one. Please also bring apron, a notebook and a sharp pencil.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese Books and boxes
- VD359 Beginners' bookbinding: evening course
- VD354 Creative arts for bookbinding I:decorative paper techniques
- VD251 Working with leather: decorative techniques.
Royston has 5 decades of experience as a bookbinder, beginning his apprenticeship in 1973. He is accredited with basic and advanced City & Guilds in Craft Bookbinding, gaining a distinction at advanced level. In 1984 he joined Sangorski & Sutcliffe where he acquired a love of fine binding. Royston has been a part time Tutor at the London College of Printing and Camberwell College of Art. He has run workshops and masterclasses on basic and advanced techniques of fine binding, as well as more specialised workshops in areas such as wooden board bindings, Cosway bindings and Paring and Sharpening Techniques. Additionally, prior to his retirement in 2015, he had 25 years of experience at the British Library Conservation Centre, conserving rare books and manuscripts. Royston now works part time as a bookbinding tutor at City Lit and is a visiting tutor at the Royal Library in Windsor, as well as teaching private students.
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.