Understanding Leather - From Tannery to Collection, Northampton, UK

5 days CPD training for Conservators (10 participants only)
Dates - Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July 2015
Cost - £495 tuition only. £395 thanks to Leathersellers grant)

Main Subjects
- Understanding Leather
- Understanding the threats to the preservation of leather in your collection

The course is a mixture of theory and practical (tanning, handling different leathers and examining deterioration problems). Each aspect of leather production is explored in both a theoretical and practical way, and explained in relation to deterioration processes and resultant care and conservation problems. Participants will have opportunities to try some of the production methods using both modern and traditional methods. Experienced professionals are on-hand to answer questions and the course takes place in an informal group, where students are encouraged to take part and get involved.

Participants - This course is aimed at conservators , curators and other museum professionals with responsibility for collections which include historic leather items, who wish to understand (a) leather making processes and (b) common deterioration problems found in historic leather objects. Those who attended the course in 2014 found it to be immensely useful as well as enjoyable.

To be held at
The Leather Conservation Centre and Northampton University's Institute of Creative Leather Technologies
The University of Northampton
Boughton Green Road
Northampton NN2 7AN

Notes
- Accommodation may be available on campus.
- The course will not run with less than 10 participants.
- Lab coats, gloves, boots and other necessary PPE will be provided.

Please note the course does not cover conservation treatments or techniques. (Please visit the West Dean website www.westdean.org.uk for information on CPD course on conservation of leather).

For further information or to book a place on this course please contact
Yvette Fletcher, Head of Conservation, The Leather Conservation Centre on email lcc@northampton.ac.uk

Perfect Bindings - Workshops in Traditional and Contemporary Book Forms
at arts centres and book festivals in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

Three new workshops for May and June:

Japanese books and single-section case binding
Saturday 23rd May 2015
10.30-16.30
Exeter Phoenix
£38

Coptic binding and concertina binding
Monday 15th June 2015
10.00-16.00
Truro Arts Company
£50

Coptic binding and Chinese accordion book
Saturday 27th June 2015
10.00-16.00
The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington
£38

Full details can be found on the website
www.perfectbindings.co.uk - email megan@perfectbindings.co.uk
Telephone 07582 783965 - Tutor Megan Stallworthy

Southern Bookcrafts Club Training Days, Winchester, Hampshire

Maureen Duke on Boxes
Saturday 25th April 2015
Making a Drop-back box. Apply by 11th April. £35

Sonia Bradford on Repairing Pages & Cleaning Paper
Saturday 23rd May 2015
Instruction and practice. Apply by 9th May. £35

John Jameson on Dyeing Leather for both Restoration and Design Binding
Saturday 27th June 2015
Using 2 types of water-based dye and 1 type of spirit-based. Apply by 13th June.

The Southern Bookcrafts Club exists to develop the craft of bookbinding and book restoration in our region. We have a fully equipped dedicated bindery for use by bookbinders individually (or in groups for training days). Most members meet at the bindery on Friday mornings but full members have 24x7 access to the bindery. We are privileged in that Maureen Duke, past President of The Society of Bookbinders has agreed to preside over the SBC. Maureen leads a team of specialist tutors for the Training Days. The Club welcomes new members. Please contact Jack Walters if you would like to visit us or just drop in on a Friday morning. The bindery is between the centre of Winchester and Junction 9 of the M3, easily accessible by road and served by local bus services.

There will be an additional charge of £5.00 per person payable at each session for materials etc.
All courses take place at the club's bindery in Winchester and run from 10:30 to about 16:00

More information, including Application Forms and detailed maps on how to find the bindery
are available on the club's web site at www.sbookc.org.uk
or please contact the Club's Secretary/Course Registrar, Jack Walters
on tel. 0238026 6969 or email jwalters@care4free.net

Teaching Opportunities at the London Centre for Book Arts

Come and teach at the LCBA! The centre is looking to add more workshops to their schedule. If you have an idea for a workshop to teach at the Centre, please let them know by filling in the form on their web site.

You can see examples of their current workshops at londonbookarts.eventbrite.co.uk

Questions? Get in touch with Simon at simon@londonbookarts.org

The Maureen Duke Educational Award

The Norie Trust is a small charitable trust based in the South West of England. The Trust funds various projects, many of which are associated with literature and the arts. The Trust also assists community-based projects which aim to improve the quality of people's lives.

The Trust have generously offered the Society funds of £2,000 a year for the next 5 years to fund an educational award to assist professionals in the book field. The Trust wishes to recognise Maureen Duke's inspirational teaching and dedication to education and the award will therefore be known as The Maureen Duke Educational Award.

The recipient of the award each year should be a bookbinder, book conservator, book restorer or book artist who has worked professionally in the U.K. for the last two years prior to the award. They should be intending to continue to work professionally, preferably in the UK.

SoB's Education & Training Task Force has been asked by the Trust to administer the award and after discussion it has been agreed that the award panel will consist of the Chair of the Society, Chair of E&T and Maureen herself. The applicant will be required to submit the following:
- Hand written letter of application
- CV
- A brief outline of the nature of study wishing to be undertaken, indicating how this will enhance their work, and their plans for the future
- Full Breakdown of costs - fees, travel and subsistence
- Images of work completed in the 2 years prior to application
- Two references

The recipient will be required to write a report of their study and experience gained for others in the field.

Applications should be sent to: Claire Redfern, 21 Moat Way, Goring by Sea, West Sussex, BN12 4DR.

An Introduction to Bookbinding with Mark Cockram at Studio 5, London

Case Binding

Rationale - This module develops the students' ability to use basic materials such as cloth and a number of machine made papers. It will allow students the opportunity to explore differing adhesives and covering techniques in the production of case bindings.

Aims
- to develop hand skills related to paper and cloth work and hand foil work
- to enhance professional skills, awareness and responsibility
- to stimulate creativity in design
- to develop awareness of choice of suitable styles

Learning Outcome - On completion the student will be able to:
- select suitable styles of case binding
- fold sections
- be familiar with various sewing techniques
- forward the book to the required standard
- make a case binding including the use of modern design techniques

Assessment Strategy - Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 5 finished items of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a good standard and understand the reasons for their use. The Module is delivered over 6 days with all materials included. Fee £700

Bradel Binding

Rationale - This module develops an awareness of strength and structure specific to this type of binding. It will give students the opportunity to work with leather and apply the relevant techniques involved in the production of the disappearing spine Bradel binding.

Aims
- to introduce the student to leather binding and manipulation
- to identify the correct materials specific to the binding style
- to understand the need for and limitations of the binding style
- to apply the relevant techniques
- to assess the suitability of the binding style

Learning Outcome - On completion the student will be able to:
- select suitable text blocks in need of this structure
- forward the book to the required standard
- make a Bradel binding including the use of modern design techniques

Assessment Strategy - Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 1 finished item of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a good standard and understand the reasons for their use. The Module is delivered over 6 days with all materials included. Fee £700

Box and Enclosure Making

Rationale - This module is intended to develop the students ability in making 3 styles of boxes for the books made during the 2 previous modules. The student will be able to select and use suitable materials and incorporate style and design ideas.

Aims
- to identify the correct materials specific to the box style and use
- to explore design and material manipulation
- to apply the relevant techniques
- to understand internal measuring

Learning Outcome - On completion the student will be able to:
- select suitable box styles and construction methods
- apply the techniques for making boxes including a two tray drop back box
- apply techniques suitable for various uses

Assessment Strategy - Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 3 finished items of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a high standard and understand the reasons for their use. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise design, process and protection. The Module is delivered over 6 days with all materials included. Fee £700

Artist's Book or Complete Book (Option A)

Rationale - This module is intended to develop the students' ability to explore print, book manipulation and creative journeys with the book.

Aims
- to identify differing print techniques
- to explore the book as a means of artistic and social expression
- to apply the relevant techniques, working practices and mediums

Learning Outcome - On completion the student will be able to:
- select suitable print techniques and mixed media
- forward the book to the required standard and manipulate as required
- to understand the relationship of the artist and the book

Assessment Strategy - Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 finished items of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a high standard and understand the reasons for their use. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise working processes. The Module is delivered over 6 days with some materials included. Fee £700

Introduction to Contemporary Bradel Design Binding (Option B)

Rationale - The Introduction to Contemporary Bradel Design Binding gives students the opportunity to make a Design Binding using contemporary and traditional techniques and materials.

Aims
- to expand existing skills and techniques whilst learning relevant traditional skills
- to explore Design Binding with contemporary arts practices
- to apply the relevant techniques, working practices and mediums

Learning Outcome - On completion the student will be able to:
- select suitable construction methods - forward the book to the required standard and manipulate as required - to boldly go where no one has been before

Assessment Strategy - Assessment will be in line with the STUDIO 5 criteria and will be evident through examination and discussion of 2 finished items of work. The student will demonstrate an ability to apply the techniques to a high standard and understand the reasons for their use. The student will be expected to be able to demonstrate and rationalise working processes. The Module is delivered over 14 days with basic materials included. Fee £1,400

The STUDIO 5 BEGINNERS COURSE is delivered in 3 modules of six days each. Upon successful completion the student will be issued with a Studio 5 Certificate. The fee is £2,100.00 per person. The fee covers all tuition, hand tool use, workshop equipment as required and materials as outlined in the module information. A 50% non returnable deposit is required to confirm booking full payment being made no less than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the course. The modules can be delivered in a block or days to suit the individual student. Two further modules, options A and B are individually priced.

To book a place or for more information please contact us at:
Mark Cockram
Studio Five
First Floor The Mews
46-52 Church Road
Barnes, London, SW13 0DQ
Tel: 0208 563 2158 e-mail: studio5bookarts@aol.co.uk

Workshops & Short Courses at the Black Fox Bindery in North London

Nicky Oliver offers a range of courses and workshops at Black Fox Bindery from beginners bookbinding and box-making to advanced book design classes such as leather dyeing techniques and onlay work. Nicky can also tailor classes to your requirements. All materials and equipment are provided.

Please contact her on nicky@blackfoxbindery.com or 07929 549 140 for details and bookings.

North Bennet Street School, Boston, MA - Full-time Bookbinding Program
plus Workshops and Short Courses

Established in 1986, this popular two-year program attracts students who share a passion for books and materials, problem-solving, the creative process and working with their hands to make, restore and preserve books and other printed cultural treasures. Students learn fundamental bookbinding techniques including tool use and modification, non-adhesive bindings, cloth and paper bindings of various styles, edition binding and an introduction to book repair and conservation. The second year provides a comprehensive examination of leather bindings, decorative tooling and finishing and re-backing and repair of leather bindings. Advanced paper treatments including washing and deacidification and other conservation procedures are covered. In addition to the full-time program, the school offers one-week and longer short courses in bookbinding, calligraphy, paper marbling and more.

For more information go to: www.nbss.edu

Handmade Art Workshops, London

Handmade Art Workshops design and deliver unique analogue art projects that encourage hands on creativity. We are artists, designers & craftswomen combining our experience and skills to teach drawing, printing and bookbinding to a range of ages and in a variety of community settings.

Get a Sketchbook is suitable for anyone over the age of eleven. It aims to engage its participants with the importance of sketchbooks in the creative process by enabling them to work with two professional artists and a bookbinder to make and use their own personalised hand-made, hardbound sketchbooks. These sessions can be booked individually or as a three session package.

Stages of the Get a Sketchbook workshop:

Workshop 1
Relief printing a cover using an etching press for your own sketchbook with artist Rachel Thomson
running time 2 hours
numbers max 20
price £250 includes materials & refreshments

Workshop 2
Making and binding your own sketchbook with professional book binder Nicky Oliver
running time 2 hours
numbers max 20
price £250 includes materials & refreshments

Workshop 3
Introduction to use of sketchbooks, speed drawing and information gathering involving use of different media with artist Agnes Mitchell
running time 2 hours
numbers max 20
price £250 includes materials & refreshments

Binding in Powys at The Farthing Press & Bindery with Alan Fitch

There are available a variety of courses, which run throughout the year, offering the opportunity to learn in an idyllic location and relaxed atmosphere. With only a maximum of three people on any one course, tuition is on a very personal level, with each student having their own work station and all tools and materials supplied.

The courses run from Monday - Friday (9 - 5). Over the period of the course you will be guided through all the aspects of bookbinding, relevant to each course. There are at present four courses available:

Basic Course - This course has been designed for the beginner and covers all the basics of binding a book.

Refresher/Repair Course - This course is designed for the student who :
- Has completed the Basic Course but would like to spend more time developing their basic skills before moving on to finer things.
- Has had some experience in the past of binding a case bound, round and backed book but would like to refresh their skills.
- Would like to develop their skills in repairing old cloth cased books.

Full Leather Course - This course is for the person who wants to develop their bookbinding skills and progress to binding in leather.

2 Day Bookmaking Course - This course has been designed to allow you to spend two days making a variety of types and styles of book, none of which require any specialist equipment or tools.

Accommodation is available

For further detail please telephone +44 (0)1938 590733

The School for Bookbinding Arts, Winchester, VA

The school is committed to providing quality training in the craft of hand bookbinding. Its ongoing series of two-day workshops is designed to teach techniques that are immediately useful to the student as well as to create a solid foundation of skills for further bookbinding study. The curriculum includes both basic and advanced courses that are geared toward the needs of book dealers, collectors and anyone interested in learning the art of hand bookbinding. Each workshop features demonstrations of the techniques being taught coupled with ample supervised practice time for the student. A complete package of printed notes accompanies each of the workshops to aid the student in assimilating the body of information being presented.

Workshops are taught in the studios of Cat Tail Run Hand Bookbinding near Winchester, Virginia. Cat Tail Run Hand Bookbinding is a fully operational hand bookbinding and book restoration facility established in 1991 by Jill Deiss. Instructors for THE SCHOOL FOR BOOKBINDING ARTS include Jill Deiss, Dee Evetts, Susan McCabe and Bill Deiss.

Foundation Level Course

Beginning Cloth Binding Restoration: This course teaches a wide variety of skills that are immediately useful for the repair of cloth bindings and also serves as a foundation for later courses. Techniques taught include: repairing damaged corners, endcaps and joints on cloth bindings; toning of discolorations; and minor paper repair techniques. Limited to 9 students. $235

Beginning Leather Binding Restoration: Students will learn various treatments for leather bindings including repairs for damaged corners, endcaps, and joints. Also included are techniques for polishing and improving the condition of leather surfaces. $235

Advanced Cloth Binding Restoration: Learn the professional technique for restoring a cloth binding using original boards and spine. Requires Beginning Cloth Binding Restoration for participation. Limited to 7 students. $235

Advanced Leather Binding Restoration: The leather reback is the companion repair to the cloth reback but for leather bindings. All portions of the original binding are retained in this professional restoration. Techniques for thinning and paring leather will be featured in this workshop. Requires Beginning Leather Binding Restoration for participation. Limited to 7 students. $235

New Cloth Bindings: Two styles of new bindings will be taught to enable students to put covers on books that have lost their original bindings. Introduction to book titling will be featured as well as methods for endsheet attachment. Limited to 9 students. $235

Clamshell Box Construction: Students will learn the craft of creating custom-fit clamshell boxes. Limited to 9 students. $235

Paper Marbling [Beginning & Advanced]: Students will learn many traditional marbled patterns as well as how to set up their own marbling studios. Inquire for course fee.

Further information from:
540-662-2683
www.CatTailRun.com
email: info@cattailrun.com

The Artworks, Halifax, Yorkshire

Printmaking and Bookbinding

Please visit their web site for a full list of available courses.

"All of our workshops offer the highest quality tuition in a relaxed, welcoming, open and conducive atmosphere. Our workshops are structured, providing you with the necessary skills and techniques to master the craft and are flexible too, allowing you to work on different projects from traditional to contemporary. You can work at your own pace and all materials and tools are provided at the class to get you going."

Further information is available from www.theartworks.org.uk

CBL Ascona, Switzerland

The Association centro del bel libro in Ascona is the parent institution of an internationally known and recognised technical school with the specialised areas of Bookbinding and Design and Book and Paper Conservation. The Association exists for the continued development and ever higher qualification of its instructors in both areas. Competitions and exhibitions help inform the public about their activities and expand public awareness of the book. The Association makes it possible for experts in related fields and for interested laypeople to acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to the book through special courses of instruction. The Association is a not for profit organisation. Its departments assure the smooth functioning of the school and an especially well organised office assists course participants with their stay in Ascona. The Directorate, among other duties, is charged with attracting new supporting members for the Association to ensure the continued work and development of the School. Should you be in agreement with the stated goals of the Association - we would be pleased to welcome you as a new member!

Department of Bookbinding and Design - The study areas of Bookbinding and Design offer discerning bookbinders the opportunity of technical and creative challenges. Course participants have the opportunity to further their qualifications through learning internationally recognised methods and techniques, are able to hone their skills and increase their knowledge, evaluate themselves and be inspired by colleagues. They will exchange ideas and find paths in creativity and through self reflection; paths which open up by being away from job demands and daily stress, away from routine, and the pressures of time and expectations of productivity. The annually changing course offerings are continually enhanced by timely developments to expand students depth of understanding. They include classic hand bookbinding techniques, such as the French full leather binding, the Bradel technique, as well as hand gilding. Another area of program concentration is the contemporary design of bookbindings, in which design, technique and material complement each other and fulfil the functional and qualitative aspects of a book.

Department of Book and Paper Conservation - The study of book and paper conservation at the centro del bel libro ascona assures further education specifically for book and paper restorers and delivers timely, inclusive and internationally recognised competencies in theory and practical applications. Scientific bases of restoration, restoration ethics, as well as documentation and decision making are encouraged and fostered in order to increase the knowledge of course participants in these areas. The opportunity to engage in dialogue in related disciplines, support and evaluation of innovation, and most of all development of practical skills to assure correct restoration and conservation measures - all are addressed in this context. The exchange of ideas among experts, and the addition of highly specialised guest lecturers provide the best conditions for exploring all relevant subjects in depth. Highly qualified teachers, a pleasant study and work environment, course participants from countries world wide, and the much renowned southern joie de vivre facilitate learning, ignite the desire to learn and communicate, and reward the student with improved self confidence. Building on these facts, it becomes an easy task to develop conventions for the protection of our cultural heritage, the book - a task which the centro del bel libro ascona has set itself and which it fulfils.

Further information regarding courses programs can be found on the schools web site at: www.cbl-ascona.ch

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