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.
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.
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.
September 20th Saturday
Use of Magnets with Diana Illingworth-Cook at ~Stoke St Mary Village Hall, Stoke Road, Taunton, TA3 5BY
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.
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.
October 4th Saturday
Paper Conservation with David Doe in the Taunton Area
Repeat workshop held in July at Dartington Hall.
November 9th Sunday
Leather Work: Mosaic and Crumpled Onlays with Nesta Davies at Stoke 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.