In-person course
in Suffolk Maker & location details

Bookbinding for Beginners and Improvers with Mylyn McColl

Improve your watercolours at Flatford Mill

Description

Join our experts for this bookbinding for beginners and improvers course. This course covers both restoration of existing books and the creation of new bindings. This course is equally suitable for beginners and those with previous experience, since tuition is given according to individual needs. The course emphasises the traditional skills and techniques of hand binding and helps you develop a deeper insight into this rewarding craft. Of all man’s enduring artefacts the bound book is surely one of the most enlightening, useful and pleasing. Its present accepted form and structure results from 2,000 years of evolution, which has imposed craft disciplines unknown to the reader but a source of fascination to the enquiring book lover. This workshop will introduce you to the foundations of good hand binding and repair, dwelling on the important ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’. Although essentially a practical course, the exploration of underlying objectives in fine work will be covered in our discussions. Whether you are completely new to bookbinding or already have some experience, we suggest that you bring along a selection of possible projects on which to work during the course. Advice will then be given as to the most suitable items to attempt. Possible examples are: - Making plain paper books - Loose material suitable for binding - Bound books in need of repair (If in any doubt about an item bring it along for consideration!) You can expect to receive instruction in various stages of producing a bound book: - Making up book sections - Preparation for and the technique of sewing - Making up endpapers and their attachment - Cutting the book with the use of plough and press - Rounding and backing the spine with the use of lying press - Cutting, making and attaching the cover - Lettering - Slip cases and boxes The aim is for everyone to leave on Friday with several finished items. About the tutor: Mylyn has been working as a professional bookbinder since 2005. She discovered bookbinding whilst studying a graphic design degree at KIAD and immediately fell in love with it. She honed her craft within various trade binderies across the UK from Delta Design Studio in London to RD&W in Falkirk and London Bookbinding. Alongside developing her fine binding skills with Mark Cockram and Kathy Abbott. Her design background lends itself well to creating design bindings and Mylyn has twice been awarded prizes for her bindings. An active member within the bookbinding community; she has sat on the Society of Bookbinders L&S regional committee and has been organiser of the SoB International Competition. Mylyn is currently Principal Tutor for Bound by Veterans, a charity providing rehabilitation and respite to military veterans and family through the restorative powers of bookbinding. In addition to this she works from her home studio in Wiltshire and teaches bookbinding and boxmaking at a variety of venues across the South of England. She loves books, loves binding and loves sharing her skills and joy of the craft. What to Bring: All the materials to carry out this work will be available at the Centre, as will much of the equipment. You are, however, asked to try and provide the following items for your personal use: - Craft knife and blades - Sharp scissors - Steel rule and a pencil - Overalls or an apron - A cutting mat if you have one If you have any difficulty with these items, or any specialist materials, please let us know and we’ll try to help. About Flatford Mill: We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is unsuitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible. Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

What's included in the price?

- Expert tuition - Free Wi-Fi - Hot and cold drinks - Full board accommodation - Picnic Lunch - Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only - Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.