Invitations to workshops are sent out approximately six weeks before the event, giving details on how to apply for a place.  Please send an email to:  [email protected] if you wish to be sent an invite to a particular workshop.

Please note:

  • The workshop fee is currently £20 for SoB members (£30 for non-members).
  • Students and under-25s pay £10.
  • Materials costs are payable to the tutor on the day.
  • Participants must contact the Meetings Secretary beforehand as places are limited.

January 12th, 19th, 26th   Sundays

Case Binding with Mylyn McColl via Zoom

Across these three sessions you will complete a multi-section section case binding.  Gaining core knowledge of the basic skills and principles of book structure.

February 1st Saturday

Regional AGM at Ruishton Village Hall

A popular event, where you will find a good tale top sale, our very own Sally Dore (National Chairman) speaking about the Shakespeare facsimile she bound for the National Trust’s Dyrham House, and of course plenty of chat, lovely food and drinks.

March 16th Sunday

Stubb Binding with Hannah Brown at Hannah’s bindery

Due to popular demand this second workshop on stubb binding has already been filled from a waiting list. Please email [email protected] if you wish to be added to a new waiting list.

March 15th Saturday

Beginners workshop with Nesta Davies at Dartington Hall, Devon

An opportunity to try out bookbinding. Learn about some of the tools, materials and techniques and make a hard-backed notebook to take home.  Suitable for complete beginners and also for anyone wanting to refresh or practice skills.  Work through from a sheet of paper to a finished piece.  All tools and materials provided.

April 26th Saturday

Board Detachments with Chris Arnison at Shirehampton, Bristol

The main emphasis will be on demonstrating the preparation of several typical damaged books and their boards prior to re-attachment. Participants should bring their own damaged books for discussion and will work on them under supervision.

May 17th/18th Saturday and Sunday

Islamic Binding with John Mumford at Wheddon Cross, Exmoor

You will produce an example of an Islamic Binding which will incorporate an unsupported link stitch sewing structure, and typical two-coloured chevron endbands. Due to time restrictions, we will cover the book in a full cloth with a foredge/envelope flap and then apply our marble or coloured paper endleaves.  As we proceed through each stage of the construction, we will discuss the many alternative historical techniques used and discuss any conservation issues which arise when working on these types of historical and cultural books.

June 28th Saturday

Magnetic Lidded Box with Mylyn McColl at St. Lukes Church Centre, Bath

Make this beautiful and useful box.  Could be used as a gift or to store little treasures.

July 5th Saturday

Paper Conservation with David Doe at Dartington Hall, Devon

Covering handmade 17th, 18th, and 19th laid paper repairs, early handmade woven papers, and later machine-made papers.  Advise on the use of light weight Japanese repair papers, necessary polyester film support material, and reversible conservation adhesive.  Work on your own projects.

September 20th Saturday

Use of Magnets with Diana Illingworth-Cook at Stoke St. Mary Village Hall, Somerset

Magnets are so much fun and offer exciting opportunities to book artists, binders and box makers.  Displayed as part of the design or discreetly hidden under covering material, they can hold things closed, hold them open or even keep things in place.  In this workshop we will be exploring the properties of different types and sizes of magnets and their use as closures, attachments and hinges.  You will make a set of samples contained in a simple wrapper box that will inspire your imagination and creativity and enabling the inclusion of magnets to enhance your own work.

October 4th Saturday

Paper Conservation with David Doe in Taunton area

Repeat workshop held in July at Dartington Hall.

November 9th Sunday

Leather Work: Mosaic and Crumpled Onlays with Nesta Davies atStoke St. Mary Village Hall, Somerset

Spend the day learning how to produce elegant and striking ‘Mosaic’ onlays.  A technique used to great effect by Design Bookbinder Sally Lou Smith in many of her bindings.  We’ll also look at how to create ‘crumpled’ onlays, which can add interesting textured areas rather than the usual smooth onlays.  Some experience in paring and working with leather would be helpful to get the most out of this workshop.

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