What is the course about?
The course is a taster session on the craft of hand bookbinding. It is ideal for anyone who would like to know more about this area and/or who might be thinking of enrolling on one of the longer courses at City Lit.
What will we cover?
You will be introduced to some of the materials, equipment and techniques of bookbinding. We will fold, cut and sew paper to make a single section pamphlet, use cloth and decorative paper to make a cover and put the two together to make an attractive notebook.There will be a chance to talk about suppliers, books, courses at City Lit, and to hear a little about contemporary practice.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify grain direction in paper
- Recognise and correctly use basic bookbinding tools and materials
- Make a single section binding using pamphlet stitch
- Explain a little about the historical development of bookbinding.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for those with little or no experience or knowledge of hand bookbinding. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
All work will be undertaken in the session. You will be taught by group demonstration, discussion, visual aids, practical tasks and individual assistance.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials for this class are included and all tools and equipment supplied. You make like to bring an apron to protect your clothes. Please bring a notebook and sharp pencil.
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 courses may be:
VD292 Bookbinding: Learn to bind artists’ books
VD410 Beginning miniature binding
VD330 Start bookbinding
VD419 Bookbinding: experiments in paper folding
VD355 Bookbinding weekend: notebooks and folders.
