Mastering 18th-Century French Style Tight-Back Leather Binding
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tight-back leather binding, inspired by the trade bindings popular in 18th-century France. Bookbinders and conservators often create models of historic bindings to explore how materials, structures, and techniques interact. Unlike facsimiles or pastiche bindings, models are not designed to imitate the appearance of old bindings but to replicate their historic structures as accurately as possible.
This hands-on approach offers invaluable insights into historical craftsmanship, helping binders and conservators understand the subtleties of construction techniques and identify critical physical evidence worth preserving. By recreating these intricate bindings, participants gain a deeper appreciation of traditional materials and methods while refining their own skills. Models also serve as mock-ups for testing treatment options, providing conservators with a practical tool to experiment with techniques while acknowledging the use of modern materials.
Join us for 4 days immersive workshop - available as a private class.
Workshop Highlights:
Historical Context: Explore the significance of the "tight back" technique in 18th-century English bindings and its prevalence in French bookbinding practices.
Authentic Replication: Recreate a tight-back full leather binding, complete with raised sewing supports and a flush joint, following techniques outlined in 18th-century French manuals by Dudin, de Gauffecourt, and Diderot's accompanying plates.
Forgotten Techniques: Learn and apply long-forgotten techniques such as beating the text block and boards with a hammer and trimming edges using a plough, offering a deeper understanding of historical bookmaking processes.
Material Sensitivity: Experience the tactile nuances of bindings crafted with authentic materials and obsolete techniques, enhancing your appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of historical bookbinding.
Surface Decoration: Apply traditional surface decoration techniques using iron gall ink, glaire, and paste-wash to achieve an authentic historical aesthetic.
Who Should Attend
Seasoned Bookbinding Enthusiasts
Ideal for individuals with significant bookbinding experience who are ready to elevate their skills to an advanced level.Aspiring Master Binders
Perfect for those seeking to master the intricate techniques of fine bookbinding and gain a deeper understanding of this timeless craft.
Course Details
Prerequisites: This course is not for beginners. Some bookbinding experience is required, and acceptance is by application only.
Duration: 2 sessions over two days 9.30am - 4.30pm OR 4 session over four days 9.30am - 1.30pm
Class Size: Limited to 4 participants.
Cost
The price for the full workshop is $2,500, which includes all tools for use in the bindery, materials, and instruction. Payment by instalment accepted.
Important Information
Skill Level: This is a highly advanced technical workshop requiring extensive bookbinding experience. Participation is limited to those who have completed several courses with Owl and Lion Bindery. Acceptance into this masterclass is at the discretion of the Master Binder.
Refund Policy: Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking. Refunds are not permitted for a change of mind.
Copyright: Workshop written and delivered by Isabelle McGowan. © 2024 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tight-back leather binding, inspired by the trade bindings popular in 18th-century France. Bookbinders and conservators often create models of historic bindings to explore how materials, structures, and techniques interact. Unlike facsimiles or pastiche bindings, models are not designed to imitate the appearance of old bindings but to replicate their historic structures as accurately as possible.
This hands-on approach offers invaluable insights into historical craftsmanship, helping binders and conservators understand the subtleties of construction techniques and identify critical physical evidence worth preserving. By recreating these intricate bindings, participants gain a deeper appreciation of traditional materials and methods while refining their own skills. Models also serve as mock-ups for testing treatment options, providing conservators with a practical tool to experiment with techniques while acknowledging the use of modern materials.
Join us for 4 days immersive workshop - available as a private class.
Workshop Highlights:
Historical Context: Explore the significance of the "tight back" technique in 18th-century English bindings and its prevalence in French bookbinding practices.
Authentic Replication: Recreate a tight-back full leather binding, complete with raised sewing supports and a flush joint, following techniques outlined in 18th-century French manuals by Dudin, de Gauffecourt, and Diderot's accompanying plates.
Forgotten Techniques: Learn and apply long-forgotten techniques such as beating the text block and boards with a hammer and trimming edges using a plough, offering a deeper understanding of historical bookmaking processes.
Material Sensitivity: Experience the tactile nuances of bindings crafted with authentic materials and obsolete techniques, enhancing your appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of historical bookbinding.
Surface Decoration: Apply traditional surface decoration techniques using iron gall ink, glaire, and paste-wash to achieve an authentic historical aesthetic.
Who Should Attend
Seasoned Bookbinding Enthusiasts
Ideal for individuals with significant bookbinding experience who are ready to elevate their skills to an advanced level.Aspiring Master Binders
Perfect for those seeking to master the intricate techniques of fine bookbinding and gain a deeper understanding of this timeless craft.
Course Details
Prerequisites: This course is not for beginners. Some bookbinding experience is required, and acceptance is by application only.
Duration: 2 sessions over two days 9.30am - 4.30pm OR 4 session over four days 9.30am - 1.30pm
Class Size: Limited to 4 participants.
Cost
The price for the full workshop is $2,500, which includes all tools for use in the bindery, materials, and instruction. Payment by instalment accepted.
Important Information
Skill Level: This is a highly advanced technical workshop requiring extensive bookbinding experience. Participation is limited to those who have completed several courses with Owl and Lion Bindery. Acceptance into this masterclass is at the discretion of the Master Binder.
Refund Policy: Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking. Refunds are not permitted for a change of mind.
Copyright: Workshop written and delivered by Isabelle McGowan. © 2024 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tight-back leather binding, inspired by the trade bindings popular in 18th-century France. Bookbinders and conservators often create models of historic bindings to explore how materials, structures, and techniques interact. Unlike facsimiles or pastiche bindings, models are not designed to imitate the appearance of old bindings but to replicate their historic structures as accurately as possible.
This hands-on approach offers invaluable insights into historical craftsmanship, helping binders and conservators understand the subtleties of construction techniques and identify critical physical evidence worth preserving. By recreating these intricate bindings, participants gain a deeper appreciation of traditional materials and methods while refining their own skills. Models also serve as mock-ups for testing treatment options, providing conservators with a practical tool to experiment with techniques while acknowledging the use of modern materials.
Join us for 4 days immersive workshop - available as a private class.
Workshop Highlights:
Historical Context: Explore the significance of the "tight back" technique in 18th-century English bindings and its prevalence in French bookbinding practices.
Authentic Replication: Recreate a tight-back full leather binding, complete with raised sewing supports and a flush joint, following techniques outlined in 18th-century French manuals by Dudin, de Gauffecourt, and Diderot's accompanying plates.
Forgotten Techniques: Learn and apply long-forgotten techniques such as beating the text block and boards with a hammer and trimming edges using a plough, offering a deeper understanding of historical bookmaking processes.
Material Sensitivity: Experience the tactile nuances of bindings crafted with authentic materials and obsolete techniques, enhancing your appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of historical bookbinding.
Surface Decoration: Apply traditional surface decoration techniques using iron gall ink, glaire, and paste-wash to achieve an authentic historical aesthetic.
Who Should Attend
Seasoned Bookbinding Enthusiasts
Ideal for individuals with significant bookbinding experience who are ready to elevate their skills to an advanced level.Aspiring Master Binders
Perfect for those seeking to master the intricate techniques of fine bookbinding and gain a deeper understanding of this timeless craft.
Course Details
Prerequisites: This course is not for beginners. Some bookbinding experience is required, and acceptance is by application only.
Duration: 2 sessions over two days 9.30am - 4.30pm OR 4 session over four days 9.30am - 1.30pm
Class Size: Limited to 4 participants.
Cost
The price for the full workshop is $2,500, which includes all tools for use in the bindery, materials, and instruction. Payment by instalment accepted.
Important Information
Skill Level: This is a highly advanced technical workshop requiring extensive bookbinding experience. Participation is limited to those who have completed several courses with Owl and Lion Bindery. Acceptance into this masterclass is at the discretion of the Master Binder.
Refund Policy: Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking. Refunds are not permitted for a change of mind.
Copyright: Workshop written and delivered by Isabelle McGowan. © 2024 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
