Are you thinking about rescuing one of your well-loved books which needs some attention, or hoping to tackle your library? This course will explore first essential steps in book conservation and give...
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This three day course will introduce you to the process of book conservation using a range of useful techniques.
What will we cover?
We will try out simple paper dry cleaning and repair techniques, cleaning and colouring cloth, board corner repairs and make a protective phase box. We will also discuss the difference between conservation and restoration and look at a range of historical examples of binding styles.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain the difference between conservation and restoration - Recognise several binding styles - Undertake safe dry cleaning of paper and cloth - Undertake simple paper repairs - Dye cloth to match a chosen colour - Reinforce and repair damaged book board. - Use a range of tools and materials safely and correctly.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for those with no experience of book conservation, and those looking to refresh their skills and knowledge. Bookbinding experience will be useful but not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by demonstration, hands on learning tasks, and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You are asked to bring a cloth bound book in need of some repair, please contact the department if you need further guidance on this. Please also bring an apron, notebook, a sharp pencil and a plastic eraser. We will not be repairing leather bound books but you are very welcome to bring some along for the class to look at and discuss. All other materials are provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
VD202 Book Conservation and repair: Cloth bound books VD203 Book Conservation and repair: leather-bound books.
Nesta is a professional bookbinder and runs her own studio, Leafwork, in Dorset, where she lives. She has taught in the Bookbinding department of City Lit for many years, teaching subjects from Book Conservation through to Artists' Books. She particularly likes introducing new students to bookbinding through the Try-It-Out sessions. "It's so satisfying to meet some of them again, profressing and developing on further courses and becoming creative, confident bookbinders." In her studio she teaches small workshops and 1:1, and frequently afound ghe country for the Society of Bookbinders, Designer Bookbinders and many other groups, particularly textile artists. Nesta loves the tactile opportunites possible in bookbinding and finds using texture almost irresistible in her own work. Her bindings are held in private and public collections, including the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the John Rylands University Library Manchester and the Grolier Club, New York.
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/introduction-to-conservation293474Introduction to conservationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/d/vd302_1.jpg229229GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Courses/Art & design/Contemporary crafts/Bookbinding/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in art & design22851132113911411361413457135631228511321139165313457Are you thinking about rescuing one of your well-loved books which needs some attention, or hoping to tackle your library? This course will explore first essential steps in book conservation and give you some skills to practise at home.152540056Introduction to conservation229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/d/vd302_1_3.jpgInStockDaytimeMon-WedKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Art & designVD302229229Introduction to conservation183149229Nesta Daviesintroduction-to-conservation/vd302-2526Are you thinking about rescuing one of your well-loved books which needs some attention, or hoping to tackle your library? This course will explore first essential steps in book conservation and give you some skills to practise at home.0000-Available|2026-07-20 00:00:00This three day course will introduce you to the process of book conservation using a range of useful techniques.Are you thinking about rescuing one of your well-loved books which needs some attention, or hoping to tackle your library? This course will explore first essential steps in book conservation and give you some skills to practise at home.We will try out simple paper dry cleaning and repair techniques, cleaning and colouring cloth, board corner repairs and make a protective phase box. We will also discuss the difference between conservation and restoration and look at a range of historical examples of binding styles.- Explain the difference between conservation and restoration<br/>- Recognise several binding styles<br/>- Undertake safe dry cleaning of paper and cloth<br/>- Undertake simple paper repairs<br/>- Dye cloth to match a chosen colour<br/>- Reinforce and repair damaged book board.<br/>- Use a range of tools and materials safely and correctly.The course is suitable for those with no experience of book conservation, and those looking to refresh their skills and knowledge. Bookbinding experience will be useful but not essential.You will be taught by demonstration, hands on learning tasks, and group discussion.<p>You are asked to bring a cloth bound book in need of some repair, please contact the department if you need further guidance on this.<br/>Please also bring an apron, notebook, a sharp pencil and a plastic eraser.<br/>We will not be repairing leather bound books but you are very welcome to bring some along for the class to look at and discuss. All other materials are provided.<br/><br/> </p>VD202 Book Conservation and repair: Cloth bound books<br/>VD203 Book Conservation and repair: leather-bound books.Contemporary craftsBookbindingvirtual183229149VD302NONEMon-Wed20/07/26 - 22/07/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:303 sessions31 to 4 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetNesta DaviesAvailable courses2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJul 2026Art & design229229Introduction to conservationintroduction-to-conservation/vd302-2526Are you thinking about rescuing one of your well-loved books which needs some attention, or hoping to tackle your library? This course will explore first essential steps in book conservation and give you some skills to practise at home.0000-Available|2026-07-20 00:00:00This three day course will introduce you to the process of book conservation using a range of useful techniques.Are you thinking about rescuing one of your well-loved books which needs some attention, or hoping to tackle your library? This course will explore first essential steps in book conservation and give you some skills to practise at home.We will try out simple paper dry cleaning and repair techniques, cleaning and colouring cloth, board corner repairs and make a protective phase box. We will also discuss the difference between conservation and restoration and look at a range of historical examples of binding styles.- Explain the difference between conservation and restoration<br/>- Recognise several binding styles<br/>- Undertake safe dry cleaning of paper and cloth<br/>- Undertake simple paper repairs<br/>- Dye cloth to match a chosen colour<br/>- Reinforce and repair damaged book board.<br/>- Use a range of tools and materials safely and correctly.The course is suitable for those with no experience of book conservation, and those looking to refresh their skills and knowledge. Bookbinding experience will be useful but not essential.You will be taught by demonstration, hands on learning tasks, and group discussion.<p>You are asked to bring a cloth bound book in need of some repair, please contact the department if you need further guidance on this.<br/>Please also bring an apron, notebook, a sharp pencil and a plastic eraser.<br/>We will not be repairing leather bound books but you are very welcome to bring some along for the class to look at and discuss. All other materials are provided.<br/><br/> </p>VD202 Book Conservation and repair: Cloth bound books<br/>VD203 Book Conservation and repair: leather-bound books.Contemporary craftsBookbindingconfigurable
