Description
Rounding involves moulding the spine of a text block into an arc of approximately one-third of a circle, which in the process produces a concave fore edge. After a book is rounded it can be glued and lined to maintain its shape or it can be backed first. Backing involves manipulating the long edges of the rounded spine so that they form a ridge or shoulder on each side of the spine. As a result, if viewed from above, the shape of the spine resembles the cross section of a muffin or a mushroom. The processes help to make the book more robust and durable. In this workshop we will start by discussing the basic principles of bookbinding and proceed to produce a rounded book. The process of backing will also be demonstrated. We will sew the book over straps, learn the techniques necessary to produce the shaped spine, add decorative endpapers and then sew headbands. Finally we will make a cover from book cloth and grey board. The courses take place in a studio/small press on Bircher Common, which is a National Trust site in rural Herefordshire. It's a great location to go for a walk or have a picnic during the lunch break. If you have made a rounded book, you can opt to stay for another day in order to make a solander case to house your book. This workshop is also advertised on Craft Courses.
What's included in the price?
All materials and lunches are included.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Bircher Common Press is a start-up business situated in rural Herefordshire. It's early days but the press aims to make bespoke books, stationery, posters and invitations as well as to provide tuition in letterpress and bookbinding to individuals and small groups of up to five people. Driving this little press is a love of language, paper, the intimacy of the book format and craftsmanship. There's also me - Anne. I studied fine art printmaking at Glasgow School of Art and attained a masters in the same subject in Montreal, where I specialised in artists’ books and taught a course on the same topic at Concordia University, as well as various workshops around the city. Subsequently, I worked in other fields for many years but am now trying to get the press up and running. Workshop participants can learn how to set and print lead and wood type on a Vandercook SP 20 proofing press in order to make cards, posters, personalised stationery and invitations. Alternatively, you may choose to print your favourite lyrics, poetry or prose for inclusion within a book or for framing and display. You can also make or commission bespoke books. The press offers a variety of bookbinding and case making workshops. You can personalise your books with dedication pages printed in letterpress and/or with text printed on the covers, using a hot foil stamping machine.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Corporate days out & team building
- School holiday workshops & activities
- Stag dos
- Suitable for beginners
- Hen dos
- Parking provided
FAQs
Yes, there is hard standing in front of the press to accommodate four or five cars.
