A Modern look at a Medieval craft
The aim of the course is to have hands-on experience in the making of a book, from its beginning to its end, the construction being taught by an experienced binder and the design of which is limited only by the imagination of the student. Several book constructions will be considered, including a simple case binding, a Japanese binding, housed in its own box, an album or journal, the binding in classical manner of an old book (perhaps a facsimile of an 8th Century Gospel), and - if time permits - the construction of a clamshell box, used to protect precious books or documents. A variety of materials will be used, including papers (both industrial and hand-made), cloth (linen and silk) and leather and vellum. Each semester we will consider two or three of the above possibilities and every attempt will be made to cater for the artistic aptitude and manual dexterity of the individual student. Some of the finishing touches explored will be embossing, debossing, leather on-lay, collage, paste paper, monoprints, gold leaf and egg tempera, sewn endbands, and gesso design on wood (under leather).
One written essay during the semester is required, as is a hands-on exercise in making phase-boxes. Notes will be given out during the course. A small fee is requested for materials.
Teacher: Jennifer Storey
