As its name suggests, Faber’s headquarters, The Bindery, had a history of book production long before the company moved there from Bloomsbury in 2023 – the Art Deco building, constructed in the 1930s, sits on the site of a book-binding business. In celebration of this heritage, join us for a day-long workshop led by Amy Kitcherside to introduce you to the craft of bookbinding.
Perfect for beginners, over the course of the day you will learn different binding techniques including a 3-hole pamphlet stitch, a chain stitch book, a Japanese stab binding, and a mini-concertina book to take home. You will be introduced to some standard bookbinding tools and be taught four introductory handmade books. At the end of the day you will be able to go away and continue to make more books by hand with the skills you’ve learned.
Please bring a large padded envelope with you to take your books home in for protection and bring an apron/wear clothing suitable for studio work. No open-toes or sandals.
All materials and tools are provided. No previous experience is necessary.
Numbers are limited to twelve.
Event Schedule
10 a.m.-11.30 a.m.: Introduction to the day/overview of the process/choose materials/start with a 3-hole pamphlet binding.
11.30 a.m. – 11.45 a.m.: Break. Tea and coffee will be provided.
11.45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Create a mini concertina book through demonstrations and individual tuition.
Between 1 p.m.-2 p.m.: Lunch break (exact time will be flexible – we will stop at a good point in the binding process. Lunch will be 45 minutes – 1 hour).
2 p.m.-3 p.m.: Continue on our bindings with a Japanese stab binding, with individual tuition from Amy.
3 p.m.-3.15 p.m.: Break. Tea and coffee will be provided.
3.15 p.m.-4 p.m.: Complete the day with a chain stitch binding. Suggestions for continuation of work at home.
Amy Kitcherside graduated from University College Falmouth with a degree in Illustration in 2010. She has worked as an illustration agent since 2013, while pursuing her love of bookbinding in her spare time. She now runs various bookbinding workshops across London. Amy was elected to Licentiateship of Designer Bookbinders in 2022 and is currently learning different skills in advanced bookbinding. She has won awards for her Design Bindings, include the Harmatan & Oakridge Prize for Sympathetic Handling of Leather prize at the Designer Bookbinders UK Competition 2021 and the Wyvern Bindery Award for Best Newcomer at the Society of Bookbinders International Competition 2019.
Everything you need to know about this Faber Members event:
- This event is taking place at Faber's premises at The Bindery, 51 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8HN.
- The nearest underground stations are Chancery Lane (Central line) and Farringdon (Circle line, Elizabeth line, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan line).
- Age guidance: this event is suitable for ages 18+. Anyone younger than 18 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- This session is designed for the all abilities - no previous experience is necessary.
- All materials and tools will be provided.
- A concessionary rate of £10 off tickets is available for anyone who is a student, unemployed, low-waged, low-pensioned or who considers the cost of the event a barrier to attending. Use code Concession10 in the promo box in the checkout.