Start bookbinding
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VD330
- Dates: 26/04/25 - 10/05/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ina Baumeister
Course Code: VD330
Choose a start date
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This is an introductory course in bookbinding. The class is designed to give you a good start by familiarising you with the necessary tools, materials and some of the core techniques. Projects build progressively to provide a fertile base for future exploration.
What will we cover?
We will cover the three core elements of folding, sewing and gluing through a series of developmental projects.
We will start with folded structures in paper and cloth. Then we move onto a combination of folding and sewing with paper and card. In the third session will rise to the challenge of binding a hard cover book.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Create book structures through folding, sewing and gluing
- Explore these structures further as a base for future projects
- Name the most common bookbinding tools and use them safely
- Be aware of grain direction in paper and ways to determine grain direction
- Be able to distinguish and name some book structures
- Progress onto further classes within bookbinding.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at beginners. A general ability to use small hand tools will be helpful.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by practical demonstration, group and individual tuition, hands-on practise and some hand-outs. There will be no homework but independent practise between lessons will improve your skills. You will be advised on this during class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Tool and materials for all main projects are provided. You will need to bring a sharp pencil, apron and some paper to take notes. Should you wish to pursue additional projects or want to choose particular materials you may wish to purchase extra supplies, some of which will be available during the class. Your tutor will be able to advise you.
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?
Suitable follow-on courses may include:
VD262 Bookbinding:Ten Projects for Beginners
VD190 City Lit Bookbinding
VD416 Bookbinding: Piano Hinge bindings
VD355 Bookbinding weekend: notebooks and folders
Your tutor will be able to advise you during the course.
Ina is a professional bookbinder and box-maker. She holds an MA in Book Art from UAL Camberwell and a master-craftsmanship from the German Crafts Council and Guild of Bookbinders in Munich. As a binder she works with contemporary arts organisation Book Works, the Tate Paper and Photography conservation department as well as other organisations and clients. Most of her work life is closely linked to contemporary art, art publishing and the creative industries. Besides working professionally as a bookbinder for nearly twenty years, Ina teaches and lectures for universities all over London on a wide range of courses, such as photography, printmaking, design, illustration, fine art and architecture. Ina also delivers tailored staff training to universities and other institutions such as the Tate and Houses of Parliament. Ina says that she rates bookbinding as an art in itself but also sees it as part of a toolkit for a wide range of creative professions.
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.