Paper marbling
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Course Code: VD338
Choose a start date
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is about rediscovering the ancient art of paper marbling that has now become an endangered craft. You will earn how to float colours on a carrageen moss size and take a unique print of the surface. By looking at historic examples of marbled paper and learn how they were made, you will learn about the history of this fascinating subject.
What will we cover?
- The tools, materials and terminology of marbling.
- How to prepare carrageen moss size.
- How to alum paper to be receptive to marbling.
- How to make simple combs, rakes, and brushes.
- How to use wetting agents, to to adjust and spread the colours floating on the size.
- The examination of historic marble papers.
- The reproduction of some common traditional patterns.
- Health and safety considerations for materials used in making marbled papers.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain and use marbling terminology correctly
- Hand marble paper effectively and with regard to health and safety considerations
- Understand how to marble the edges of books
- Prepare paper with alum as a mordant to fix the colours.
- Create unique marble patterns using carrageen moss as a size.
- Examine some historic marble papers and replicate several common patterns
- Keep a notebook to record how patterns are made.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for beginners and for those with some craft skill, as there is a creative element to the course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will be through practical demonstrations and presentations, both to the group and to individuals. Handouts will be provided. Group discussions and feedback are encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials are included in the course fee. You may wish to purchase extra paper or simple equipment you have made on the course. You will advised about this during the classes.
Please bring with you a notebook and pencil and you may also want to bring an apron.
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?
City Lit Bookbinding runs a range of courses where marble paper can be used for projects.
You might like to try:
- VD262 Ten Projects for Beginners
- VD292 Making Artist’s books
- Bookbinding try it out days VD265 or VD278.
- VD330 Start bookbinding
- VD202 Book conservation and repair: paper and cloth bound books.
Royston has more than 46 years 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.