Fine Binding Masterclass: Elevate Your Craft - Intensive private workshop
This private workshop is held over three or five days and is designed to teach you everything you need to know about Fine English binding techniques of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tailored for the advanced bookbinder, the course offers a rare opportunity to deepen your expertise under the guidance of master bookbinder Isabelle McGowan. You’ll elevate your skills through focused, hands-on learning, gaining insight into the traditional methods that define historical fine binding.
In a focused, hands-on environment, you’ll refine your leather binding techniques, from paring and covering to raised bands and traditional gold tooling. Every step is taught with care and precision, supported by professional insights that will enrich your understanding and practice.
All materials and tools are provided, along with tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep you energised throughout the day.
This workshop is ideal for seasoned bookbinders who are ready to take their craft further, and for aspiring master binders seeking to master the intricate techniques that define the golden age of English bookbinding.
Key Learning Objectives:
3 days:
Construct a Traditional Quarter-Bound Book
Learn to craft books with leather spines and corners, a timeless and elegant binding style.
Advance Leather Paring Skills
Hone your fine binding techniques, ensuring precision and professional-quality results.Apply Marbled Cover and Endpapers
Add sophistication and visual appeal with beautifully marbled covers and endpapers.Create Raised Bands
Develop expertise in crafting raised bands, enhancing structural integrity and adding a polished, professional finish.
5 days:
Step-by-Step Gold Tooling Guidance
Receive detailed instruction on blind tooling, including mastering the intricate technique of "running up a spine."
Course Format & Fees
Sessions begin at a minimum of three days, with each day running for five hours with breaks. The cost includes all instruction, use of bindery tools, and materials; leather and marbled papers. Participants are required to bring their own book to bind.
3 days - $2500 - All necessary materials including leather
5 Days - $3500 - Inclusion of a book of gold leaf and related sundries
Payment by instalment is available upon request.
Important Information
Skill Level & Prerequisites: This is a highly advanced, technical workshop intended for experienced bookbinders who have completed several courses at Owl & Lion Bindery. It is not suitable for beginners. Participants must have a strong foundation in traditional binding techniques and be ready to work at a professional level.
Acceptance into this masterclass is by application only and 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.
This private workshop is held over three or five days and is designed to teach you everything you need to know about Fine English binding techniques of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tailored for the advanced bookbinder, the course offers a rare opportunity to deepen your expertise under the guidance of master bookbinder Isabelle McGowan. You’ll elevate your skills through focused, hands-on learning, gaining insight into the traditional methods that define historical fine binding.
In a focused, hands-on environment, you’ll refine your leather binding techniques, from paring and covering to raised bands and traditional gold tooling. Every step is taught with care and precision, supported by professional insights that will enrich your understanding and practice.
All materials and tools are provided, along with tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep you energised throughout the day.
This workshop is ideal for seasoned bookbinders who are ready to take their craft further, and for aspiring master binders seeking to master the intricate techniques that define the golden age of English bookbinding.
Key Learning Objectives:
3 days:
Construct a Traditional Quarter-Bound Book
Learn to craft books with leather spines and corners, a timeless and elegant binding style.
Advance Leather Paring Skills
Hone your fine binding techniques, ensuring precision and professional-quality results.Apply Marbled Cover and Endpapers
Add sophistication and visual appeal with beautifully marbled covers and endpapers.Create Raised Bands
Develop expertise in crafting raised bands, enhancing structural integrity and adding a polished, professional finish.
5 days:
Step-by-Step Gold Tooling Guidance
Receive detailed instruction on blind tooling, including mastering the intricate technique of "running up a spine."
Course Format & Fees
Sessions begin at a minimum of three days, with each day running for five hours with breaks. The cost includes all instruction, use of bindery tools, and materials; leather and marbled papers. Participants are required to bring their own book to bind.
3 days - $2500 - All necessary materials including leather
5 Days - $3500 - Inclusion of a book of gold leaf and related sundries
Payment by instalment is available upon request.
Important Information
Skill Level & Prerequisites: This is a highly advanced, technical workshop intended for experienced bookbinders who have completed several courses at Owl & Lion Bindery. It is not suitable for beginners. Participants must have a strong foundation in traditional binding techniques and be ready to work at a professional level.
Acceptance into this masterclass is by application only and 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.
This private workshop is held over three or five days and is designed to teach you everything you need to know about Fine English binding techniques of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tailored for the advanced bookbinder, the course offers a rare opportunity to deepen your expertise under the guidance of master bookbinder Isabelle McGowan. You’ll elevate your skills through focused, hands-on learning, gaining insight into the traditional methods that define historical fine binding.
In a focused, hands-on environment, you’ll refine your leather binding techniques, from paring and covering to raised bands and traditional gold tooling. Every step is taught with care and precision, supported by professional insights that will enrich your understanding and practice.
All materials and tools are provided, along with tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep you energised throughout the day.
This workshop is ideal for seasoned bookbinders who are ready to take their craft further, and for aspiring master binders seeking to master the intricate techniques that define the golden age of English bookbinding.
Key Learning Objectives:
3 days:
Construct a Traditional Quarter-Bound Book
Learn to craft books with leather spines and corners, a timeless and elegant binding style.
Advance Leather Paring Skills
Hone your fine binding techniques, ensuring precision and professional-quality results.Apply Marbled Cover and Endpapers
Add sophistication and visual appeal with beautifully marbled covers and endpapers.Create Raised Bands
Develop expertise in crafting raised bands, enhancing structural integrity and adding a polished, professional finish.
5 days:
Step-by-Step Gold Tooling Guidance
Receive detailed instruction on blind tooling, including mastering the intricate technique of "running up a spine."
Course Format & Fees
Sessions begin at a minimum of three days, with each day running for five hours with breaks. The cost includes all instruction, use of bindery tools, and materials; leather and marbled papers. Participants are required to bring their own book to bind.
3 days - $2500 - All necessary materials including leather
5 Days - $3500 - Inclusion of a book of gold leaf and related sundries
Payment by instalment is available upon request.
Important Information
Skill Level & Prerequisites: This is a highly advanced, technical workshop intended for experienced bookbinders who have completed several courses at Owl & Lion Bindery. It is not suitable for beginners. Participants must have a strong foundation in traditional binding techniques and be ready to work at a professional level.
Acceptance into this masterclass is by application only and 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.
