Bookbinding Workshop

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Led by Ramon Townsend of Colonial Bindery, Exton, PA, participants will take home a blank book they create in the workshop, using the methods that were employed from about the first century through the mid 19th century. They will hand sew the book sections (called signatures); secure the hard covers; add a leather or cloth spine, and decorative paper, to the covers; and lay down the endpapers. Students will also be provided step-by-step written instructions they can take home.

Workshop instructor Ramon Townsend studied paper marbling and hand bookbinding under the Master and Journeymen bookbinders at Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg has an apprenticeship program where it passes on traditional handcrafts. Part of the training was to demonstrate and teach the crafts to visitors and Ramon learned paper marbling, paper making and printing, and bookbinding.

Preregistration is necessary as the workshop size is limited to only six participants to allow for individualized instruction. The Bookbinding Workshop fee is $65 ($60 member) plus a $10 materials fee. No refunds are given unless a workshop is canceled for insufficient enrollment.