If you are interested in learning how to get into bookbinding or would like to develop your bookbinding skills, Glenn Malkin of Signature Bindings runs a number of workshops throughout the year. One day workshops are held at ScrapStore, Hull, whereas three day residential workshops are held at The Grange in Shropshire and other occasional workshops are run by request in other locations.
Intermediate level binders who would like to further develop specific skills or would perhaps like to move on to creating their own design bindings may be interested in the possibility of tailored one-to-one tuition with Glenn at his bindery in East Yorkshire.
Please see below for further details and dates of forthcoming workshops. You can also e-mail Glenn to be added to the e-mailing list to be amongst the first to learn of new workshops as they are organised.
CLICK HERE to download a FREE tutorial (.pdf file) on how to make a straightforward hard-back pamphlet-sewn notebook
Workshops in Hull
A number of one-day workshops are being arranged for 2020 and (unless otherwise specified) will be at our new venue - ScrapStore - which is just off Hessle Road in Hull. Not only does this venue offer a great workshop space, but it also has a fabulous shop selling all sorts of craft supplies including many items at ridiculously low prices and constantly changing stock!
The Grange, Ellesmere, Shropshire
These three-day residential workshops are organised directly by Jon and Rosie at The Grange. Here they run a number of courses including Letterpress workshops, Paper Marbling and Bookbinding for Beginners.
Glenn Malkin tutors three 3-day residential courses each year focusing on different subjects. They are suitable mainly for those who have already done some bookbinding but would like to learn new book structures or techniques. Please note that courses do fill extremely quickly so early booking is essential. Please book directly with The Grange.
The Grange website can be found Here
Programme for 2020
May 7th - 10th 2020 - The Drop-Back Box - Beyond the Ordinary
Whether for protection or decoration, making a box for a valued book is an important part of a bookbinder's work. In this workshop you will make a drop-back (or clamshell) box for your own chosen book. This box will be of competition quality, using a choice of book cloths for the covering and lined with suede panels. Although you can choose elements of your box’s design, the front and spine will have recessed panels for a label or decorative panels and we will explore some simple decorative tooling. This workshop requires precision and delicacy in measurement and cutting by hand but you do not need to have bookbinding experience to attend.
July 30th - August 2nd 2020 - Decorative Elements for Design Bindings
In this workshop you will focus on a selection of decorative techniques by preparing a number of small leather panels which can be inlaid into recessed boards. The techniques to be explored in some depth will include cold tooled leather with gold leaf, scarf joints in leather, recessed leather lines and back-pared onlays. You will then have the opportunity to create your own unique decorative panels, combining these (and other) techniques in whatever way you wish. Some basic experience of working with bookbinding leather would be advantageous.
October 22nd - 25th 2020 - Aspects of Design Binding - Part One
May 2021 (dates TBC) - Aspects of Design Binding - Part Two
These workshops are suitable for those who have some experience of traditional binding techniques but who are looking to develop and refine their skills towards producing fine design bindings. Creating a design bindings typically takes several weeks and there are numerous techniques, approaches and materials that can be incorporated. We shall focus on the correct forwarding of a book block in the first part of this programme as well as exploring participants design ideas for their chosen book. The second part of the programme will look in more depth at participants' own design elements in leather as well as demonstrating covering the book and exploring the options for doublures and other finishing touches.
For more detailed information about Aspects of Design Binding, please Click Here.