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.
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 Tues...
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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.
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In stock
SKU
248359
Full fee£1,749.00Senior fee£1,399.00Concession£1,137.00
On this course you will gain a sound working knowledge of bookbinding. You will learn about book structures, techniques, materials, terminology, tools and equipment, and you will investigate historical and contemporary themes. Selecting and using design methods and design elements in your bookbinding is an integral part of the course. Skills and knowledge gained will complement and support your future bookbinding practice or enable you to go on to further study.
What will we cover?
On the course you will learn how to make of a range of bookbinding structures using a wide variety of techniques. These will include: single-section pamphlets with both limp paper covers and stiff boards, several multi-section bindings case bound in cloth and paper. You will learn a range of sewing techniques and how to make containers to protect your bindings.
During the course you will bind books with both flat backs and rounded spines, and you will learn how to round and back books and how to hand-sew endbands. You will be able to work on one personal project during the final term which will be agreed with your tutor. Some sessions will include creative work and discussion about the design aspects of contemporary bookbinding. As a group, we will look at some aspects of the history of bookbinding and some key historical and current makers in the craft. In addition, there will be group teaching and one-to-one tutorial support from your tutor. You will be encouraged to develop self-critical skills which will help you to produce individual pieces of work to a high standard.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a variety of sewing techniques to sew single and multi-section text blocks, and single sheets - Make a variety of different styles of book covers - Round and back a text-block - Make a variety of endpapers, and a hand-sewn headband - Recognise contemporary and historical styles and makers - Select and use design methods and elements in your bookbinding - Move on to further study in conservation, fine binding or artist’s books.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is aimed at beginners or those who wish to revise basic skills and build up their knowledge of techniques. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, be able to read hand-outs and health and safety information and you should be able to use numbers make simple measurements and calculations for measuring. You may be invited to take part in group presentations and discussions on contemporary or historical binding during the course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by demonstration, individual support and group tuition. We will use the internet to research work relevant to the course. You will be invited to contribute to class discussions and you will be asked to think critically about your own work as part of your learning experience and to log this in your weekly record. You may occasionally find it helpful to be able to complete or revise work at home during the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Some basic materials are included in the cost of the course during term 1. For terms 2 and 3, materials such as board, paper and cloth can be purchased from the classroom. As personal work progresses, students will be expected to provide for their own, more specific requirements. You will need to provide your own basic small tools set once the course commences and you should allow at least £50-£60 for this. You will be advised on this during the first weeks and nothing needs to be purchased before the class starts. Please bring a sharp pencil and notebook to each class. You will be expected to make your own notes to supplement the course handouts.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Recommended progression from VD190: - VD322 City Lit Bookbinding intermediate - VD320 Bookbinding: improver's workshop You may also be interested in short courses: - VD360 Bookbinding weekend: endband extravaganza - VD374 Fine binding masterclass III: creative approaches to design binding Repair and conservation courses: - VD351 Conservation for beginners - VD202 & VD203 Book conservation Book arts - VD292 Book art: Learn to bind artist’s books.
Kate Rochester is an artist bookbinder based in London. After completing her BA in Art History at East London University she studied bookbinding at the London College of Printing. In 2004 she founded Hanbury Press which produces limited edition books and hand-printed papers using traditional hand-binding methods. Later she joined the bookbinding team at the Wyvern Bindery, as well as studying master classes at Studio 5 Book Arts studio in Barnes. Kate currently works on commission and runs her independent press from her studio located in East London. She regularly teaches Book Arts workshops and courses at Citylit and The London Centre Of Book Arts. In 2023, Kate became a QEST scholar after completing a year’s study in further master classes in Design Binding.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/city-lit-bookbinding239182City Lit bookbindinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/d/vd190_jessica_dromgoole_1_1.jpg17491749GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Bookbinding/Courses/vm/Visual Arts Long Courses/Courses/Courses to boost your career/Courses/Courses to boost your career/Art & design2285113211391141207313490134931228511321139165313490<p>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.</p><p>Term dates </p><ul><li>Term 1 Tuesday 22/09/2026 – 20/10/2026 (Half term week 27/10/2026) 03/11/2026 – 15/12/2026 </li><li>Term 2 Tuesday 05/01/2027 – 09/02/2027 (Half term week 16/02/2027) 23/02/2027 – 23/03/2027 </li><li>Term 3 Tuesday 13/04/2027 – 25/05/2027 (Half term week 01/06/2027) 08/06/2027 – 13/07/2027 </li></ul>353002224City Lit bookbinding17491749https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/d/vd190_jessica_dromgoole_1_1_4.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVD19017491749City Lit bookbinding139911371749Kate Rochestercity-lit-bookbinding/vd190-2627<p>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.</p><p>Term dates </p><ul><li>Term 1 Tuesday 22/09/2026 – 20/10/2026 (Half term week 27/10/2026) 03/11/2026 – 15/12/2026 </li><li>Term 2 Tuesday 05/01/2027 – 09/02/2027 (Half term week 16/02/2027) 23/02/2027 – 23/03/2027 </li><li>Term 3 Tuesday 13/04/2027 – 25/05/2027 (Half term week 01/06/2027) 08/06/2027 – 13/07/2027 </li></ul>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>On this course you will gain a sound working knowledge of bookbinding. You will learn about book structures, techniques, materials, terminology, tools and equipment, and you will investigate historical and contemporary themes. Selecting and using design methods and design elements in your bookbinding is an integral part of the course. Skills and knowledge gained will complement and support your future bookbinding practice or enable you to go on to further study.</p><p>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.</p><p>Term dates </p><ul><li>Term 1 Tuesday 22/09/2026 – 20/10/2026 (Half term week 27/10/2026) 03/11/2026 – 15/12/2026 </li><li>Term 2 Tuesday 05/01/2027 – 09/02/2027 (Half term week 16/02/2027) 23/02/2027 – 23/03/2027 </li><li>Term 3 Tuesday 13/04/2027 – 25/05/2027 (Half term week 01/06/2027) 08/06/2027 – 13/07/2027 </li></ul><p>On the course you will learn how to make of a range of bookbinding structures using a wide variety of techniques. These will include: single-section pamphlets with both limp paper covers and stiff boards, several multi-section bindings case bound in cloth and paper. You will learn a range of sewing techniques and how to make containers to protect your bindings.<br/><br/>During the course you will bind books with both flat backs and rounded spines, and you will learn how to round and back books and how to hand-sew endbands. You will be able to work on one personal project during the final term which will be agreed with your tutor.<br/>Some sessions will include creative work and discussion about the design aspects of contemporary bookbinding. As a group, we will look at some aspects of the history of bookbinding and some key historical and current makers in the craft. In addition, there will be group teaching and one-to-one tutorial support from your tutor. You will be encouraged to develop self-critical skills which will help you to produce individual pieces of work to a high standard.</p>- Use a variety of sewing techniques to sew single and multi-section text blocks, and single sheets<br/>- Make a variety of different styles of book covers<br/>- Round and back a text-block<br/>- Make a variety of endpapers, and a hand-sewn headband<br/>- Recognise contemporary and historical styles and makers<br/>- Select and use design methods and elements in your bookbinding<br/>- Move on to further study in conservation, fine binding or artist’s books.<p>The course is aimed at beginners or those who wish to revise basic skills and build up their knowledge of techniques.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, be able to read hand-outs and health and safety information and you should be able to use numbers make simple measurements and calculations for measuring. You may be invited to take part in group presentations and discussions on contemporary or historical binding during the course.</p><p>You will be taught by demonstration, individual support and group tuition. We will use the internet to research work relevant<br/>to the course. You will be invited to contribute to class discussions and you will be asked to think critically about your own work as part of your learning experience and to log this in your weekly record. You may occasionally find it helpful to be able to complete or revise work at home during the course.</p>Some basic materials are included in the cost of the course during term 1. For terms 2 and 3, materials such as board, paper and cloth can be purchased from the classroom. As personal work progresses, students will be expected to provide for their own, more specific requirements. <br/>You will need to provide your own basic small tools set once the course commences and you should allow at least £50-£60 for this. You will be advised on this during the first weeks and nothing needs to be purchased before the class starts. Please bring a sharp pencil and notebook to each class. You will be expected to make your own notes to supplement the course handouts.Recommended progression from VD190: <br/>- VD322 City Lit Bookbinding intermediate<br/>- VD320 Bookbinding: improver's workshop<br/> You may also be interested in short courses:<br/>- VD360 Bookbinding weekend: endband extravaganza<br/>- VD374 Fine binding masterclass III: creative approaches to design binding<br/>Repair and conservation courses:<br/>- VD351 Conservation for beginners<br/>- VD202 & VD203 Book conservation<br/>Book arts<br/>- VD292 Book art: Learn to bind artist’s books.Contemporary craftsBookbindingvirtual139917491137VD190NONETue22/09/26 - 13/07/2718:00 - 21:0018:0021:0036 sessions (over 43 weeks)3611 weeks or longerWeekdayKSKeeley StreetKate RochesterBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00EveningSep 2026Art & design17491749City Lit bookbindingcity-lit-bookbinding/vd190-2627<p>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.</p><p>Term dates </p><ul><li>Term 1 Tuesday 22/09/2026 – 20/10/2026 (Half term week 27/10/2026) 03/11/2026 – 15/12/2026 </li><li>Term 2 Tuesday 05/01/2027 – 09/02/2027 (Half term week 16/02/2027) 23/02/2027 – 23/03/2027 </li><li>Term 3 Tuesday 13/04/2027 – 25/05/2027 (Half term week 01/06/2027) 08/06/2027 – 13/07/2027 </li></ul>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>On this course you will gain a sound working knowledge of bookbinding. You will learn about book structures, techniques, materials, terminology, tools and equipment, and you will investigate historical and contemporary themes. Selecting and using design methods and design elements in your bookbinding is an integral part of the course. Skills and knowledge gained will complement and support your future bookbinding practice or enable you to go on to further study.</p><p>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.</p><p>Term dates </p><ul><li>Term 1 Tuesday 22/09/2026 – 20/10/2026 (Half term week 27/10/2026) 03/11/2026 – 15/12/2026 </li><li>Term 2 Tuesday 05/01/2027 – 09/02/2027 (Half term week 16/02/2027) 23/02/2027 – 23/03/2027 </li><li>Term 3 Tuesday 13/04/2027 – 25/05/2027 (Half term week 01/06/2027) 08/06/2027 – 13/07/2027 </li></ul><p>On the course you will learn how to make of a range of bookbinding structures using a wide variety of techniques. These will include: single-section pamphlets with both limp paper covers and stiff boards, several multi-section bindings case bound in cloth and paper. You will learn a range of sewing techniques and how to make containers to protect your bindings.<br/><br/>During the course you will bind books with both flat backs and rounded spines, and you will learn how to round and back books and how to hand-sew endbands. You will be able to work on one personal project during the final term which will be agreed with your tutor.<br/>Some sessions will include creative work and discussion about the design aspects of contemporary bookbinding. As a group, we will look at some aspects of the history of bookbinding and some key historical and current makers in the craft. In addition, there will be group teaching and one-to-one tutorial support from your tutor. You will be encouraged to develop self-critical skills which will help you to produce individual pieces of work to a high standard.</p>- Use a variety of sewing techniques to sew single and multi-section text blocks, and single sheets<br/>- Make a variety of different styles of book covers<br/>- Round and back a text-block<br/>- Make a variety of endpapers, and a hand-sewn headband<br/>- Recognise contemporary and historical styles and makers<br/>- Select and use design methods and elements in your bookbinding<br/>- Move on to further study in conservation, fine binding or artist’s books.<p>The course is aimed at beginners or those who wish to revise basic skills and build up their knowledge of techniques.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, be able to read hand-outs and health and safety information and you should be able to use numbers make simple measurements and calculations for measuring. You may be invited to take part in group presentations and discussions on contemporary or historical binding during the course.</p><p>You will be taught by demonstration, individual support and group tuition. We will use the internet to research work relevant<br/>to the course. You will be invited to contribute to class discussions and you will be asked to think critically about your own work as part of your learning experience and to log this in your weekly record. You may occasionally find it helpful to be able to complete or revise work at home during the course.</p>Some basic materials are included in the cost of the course during term 1. For terms 2 and 3, materials such as board, paper and cloth can be purchased from the classroom. As personal work progresses, students will be expected to provide for their own, more specific requirements. <br/>You will need to provide your own basic small tools set once the course commences and you should allow at least £50-£60 for this. You will be advised on this during the first weeks and nothing needs to be purchased before the class starts. Please bring a sharp pencil and notebook to each class. You will be expected to make your own notes to supplement the course handouts.Recommended progression from VD190: <br/>- VD322 City Lit Bookbinding intermediate<br/>- VD320 Bookbinding: improver's workshop<br/> You may also be interested in short courses:<br/>- VD360 Bookbinding weekend: endband extravaganza<br/>- VD374 Fine binding masterclass III: creative approaches to design binding<br/>Repair and conservation courses:<br/>- VD351 Conservation for beginners<br/>- VD202 &amp; VD203 Book conservation<br/>Book arts<br/>- VD292 Book art: Learn to bind artist’s books.Contemporary craftsBookbindingconfigurable
