These practical one-day workshops provide a demonstration-led opportunity for you to produce a completely handmade book in the limp vellum style, using cotton rag mould made paper and beautiful, natural-grained goatskin for the covering leather.

The workshops are relaxed and informative sessions for interested beginners and more advanced students. A large central workbench and north facing windows provide an attractive and pleasing space, ideal for small groups to learn the basic skills used by early bookbinders.

The day begins with an introduction to the tools and raw materials used in the workshop, including the safe use of cutting equipment and the disposal of blades. You will examine a variety of goatskins and choose covering leather for the book you will be making. You’ll also look at paper samples and discover the differences between machine and handmade papers.

Every stage of the process begins with a practical demonstration. Help is always on hand and lots of practical advice is given, although you are encouraged to work at your own pace and to ‘think through’ any problems that might arise. Groups are small so that individual attention can always be given when needed.