Studio 5 Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts

Updated 2025

Studio 5 Creative Studies in Contemporary Bookbinding and Book Arts.

1. Flat Back Case Binding.

 

Following the Arts and Crafts ethos of making books,  the Flat Back Case Binding workshop introduces the student to multi Sectional Flat Case Bindings. During the workshop we will make 3 books exploring 3 sewing and covering variations. With as much of the work done by hand, from folding the sections (pages), sewing, decorating cover papers, along with simple hand tools and studio equipment.  In addition the books can be further individualised with gold foil and stylus work.

 

 Above top, Hand folded Sections. Above lower, 3 variations in sewing with linen thread. The bottom most text block has spine linings of mull and kraft paper and is ready for the case to be made.

 

The intention of the workshop is enable the student to make individual books, understand the nature of paper and other bookbinding materials, ensuring that the student can continue to make in their own workspace. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Flat Back Case Bound Books, boards decorated with paste papers, each as individual as the maker.

 The workshop is delivered over 4 days which can be taken as a block or over a series of individual days to suit the student. Fee £600 per person, all materials included. No experience required.

 

2. Rounded and Backed Case Binding.

The Rounded and Backed Case Binding workshop further develops the skills acquired in workshop 1. Along with hand tools the student will be introduced to bench and studio equipment enabling the making of two rounded and backed case bound books. The rounded and backed case bound book is often thought of as a classic binding style where the spine is rounded and shaped. The student will be encouraged to make their own book cloth to produce 2 individual books that incorperate their own design elements. In addition students will be introduced to lettering with type and gold/coloured foils.

 

Following Rounding the text block is then Backed in a Laying/Backing press with the gentle use of a hammer.

                           Rounded and Backed Case Bound books with applied woven endbands.

The intention of the workshop is to further the students skills in making books, to be able to make rounded and backed case bindings with confidence and individual flair. 

 

 2 Quarter Cloth Rounded and Backed Case Bindings with hand decorated Flottage Papers to the boards.

   

 The workshop is delivered over 4 days which can be taken as a block or over a series of individual days to suit the student.  Fee £600 per person, all materials included. Experience in flat back case binding or similar is required.

 

3. New for 2025. Exposed Structure Binding in the style of Jean de Gonet .

Introduction to Leather Paring and Dying.

 

                                    Simplified Jean De Gonet style exposed sewing binding.

The Exposed Structure workshop introduces the student to working with leather and a contemporary bookbinding structure. The exposed structure/sewing specific to a Jean de Gonet style of binding is a relatively modern book structure. This workshop introduces a simplified version that is a perfect vehicle for leather and mixed media in that the student can mix and match, creating very unique books. The student will learn how to hand dye leather, edge pare and thin leather using a bench top machine and made endpapers.

 

 

Hand Paring leather is an important skill for the bookbinder. Along with hand dying leather we also explore image transfer and other decorative techniques.

 

Please note, the images below show hand dyed leather to the spine with the boards covered in Affichés Lacerées...other covering materials, papers etc are available. It is expected that the student will produce 2 variations.

 

The intention of the workshop is to encourage exploration of bookbinding structures and manipulation of covering materials, in particular leather. 

 

2 Finished Jean De Gonet style exposed sewing structure books with hand dyed leather to the spine.

 

 The workshop is delivered over 6 days which can be taken as a block or over a series of individual days to suit the student.  Fee £800 per person, all materials included. Experience in rounded and backed case binding or similar is required.

 

4. Box Making.

Two Tray Drop Back Box (Clam Shell) made for If I Survive You by Jonathon Escoffery Booker Prize Finalist 2023. 

 Box making is an important aspect of the bookbinders skill set. The box not only protects the book but can add a further dimension to the book in the way of design elements. During the Box Making workshop students will be able to make a Slip Case for a Flat Back Case bound book and a Two Tray Drop Back Box (Clam Shell) for either a Rounded and Backed case bound book or and exposed structure book. 

 

Book hand bound in palimpsest, hand dyed parchment. showing interior of the box. For more information on the binding please visit my youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwHndP27_zk

The student will be able to select and use suitable materials and incorporate style and design ideas. The student will have the oppurtunity to use use a blocking machine and type to title the Two Tray Drop Back Box if they wish.

 If the student wishes to make boxes for books not made in the previous workshops this may be possible after discussion and selection of suitable books.  

The workshop is delivered over 4 days which can be taken as a block or over a series of individual days to suit the student. Fee £600 per person, all materials included. Some experience of bookbinding and books to go in to the boxes will be required.

THE SMALL PRINT.

The STUDIO 5 FOUNDATION IN BOOK ARTS AND BOOK BINDING Course is delivered in workshops intended to be completed in succession. However, workshops can be taken as stand alone workshops for those with suitable experience.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Course the student can be issued with a Studio 5 Certificate if required.  

The complete Foundation Course of 4 workshops  is 18 days in duration. The fee  is £2,400.00 per person when each workshop is booked separately. However, the fee is reduced to £2,300.00 per person if all 4 workshops are booked together, again delivered in a block or days to suit the individual student.

For students with prior knowledge, individual workshops can be taken as stand alone short course - workshops and can be delivered in a block or days to suit the individual student.

The fee covers all tuition, hand tool use, workshop equipment as required and materials as outlined in the workshop information. 

A 50% non returnable deposit is required to confirm booking full payment being made no less than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the course or workshop. Once the course or workshop has begun no refunds are available. Payment can be made through BACS, cheque etc.

To book a place or for more information please contact us.
Mark Cockram
Studio Five First Floor The Mews 46-52 Church Road Barnes London SW13 0DQ
Tel: 0208 563 2158 e-mail: studio5bookarts@aol.co.uk